Damian Lillard’s 2025 season with the Milwaukee Bucks ended in heartbreak after a devastating Achilles injury. Explore Lillard’s stats, All-Star return, injury update, and what his future holds in the NBA. A complete look at Damian Lillard’s journey through highs and setbacks this season.
Damian Lillard’s 2025 NBA Season: A Tale of Resurgence and Tragedy
Damian Lillard, a name synonymous with clutch performances and long-range mastery, experienced a roller-coaster 2024–25 NBA season. After being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, Lillard was expected to elevate the team to championship status alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. While the early months showed promise, his season came to a heartbreaking halt due to a severe Achilles injury.
Let’s dive into the highs and lows of Damian Lillard’s 2025 season and what lies ahead for the former All-NBA guard.
Damian Lillard’s Stats in 2025: Still Elite
Before the injury, Damian Lillard’s stats in 2025 proved he was still one of the league’s top offensive weapons. Across 29 games, Lillard averaged:
- 24.9 points
- 7.4 assists
- 4.4 rebounds
- Shooting splits: 43.9% FG, 37.7% 3PT, 91.5% FT
Lillard had standout performances, including a 43-point explosion against the Philadelphia 76ers in February. His chemistry with Giannis was steadily improving, and Milwaukee appeared poised for a deep playoff run.
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2025 NBA All-Star Game: A Return to Form
In January, Lillard was selected for his 9th career NBA All-Star appearance, a testament to his consistent impact. NBA analysts praised how he had “found his Portland self” again, referring to his days as the sole offensive engine for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Bucks fans were hopeful that with Lillard fully healthy, the franchise could return to the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Damian Lillard Injury 2025: Achilles Tear Shocks NBA
In March 2025, Lillard was sidelined with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his calf—a serious condition involving blood clots. After weeks of treatment and rest, he returned during the playoffs. But tragedy struck in Game 4 when Lillard suffered a torn Achilles tendon.
This devastating injury not only ended his season but cast doubt on his ability to return in 2026. Achilles tears have plagued several NBA stars in recent years, and recovery can take 9–12 months.
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Milwaukee Bucks: Title Dreams Cut Short
The Milwaukee Bucks finished the regular season 48–34, securing the 5th seed in the Eastern Conference. Lillard’s injury, however, crushed any real hopes of contending. Without their star guard, the Bucks lacked offensive versatility, and their playoff run ended prematurely.
Adding further shock, the Bucks decided to waive Damian Lillard after the season in a bold cap-clearing move. The team signed Myles Turner to a long-term deal, signaling a potential rebuild or strategic retooling around Giannis.
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Lillard Comeback: Can He Return to All-Star Form?
At age 34, Lillard faces one of the toughest battles of his career: recovering from a torn Achilles. While stars like Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant returned from similar injuries, every case is different. Rehab for Achilles injuries is long, physically taxing, and often alters a player’s explosiveness and lateral movement.
Lillard’s professionalism, work ethic, and motivation—particularly as a father and role model—suggest he’ll attack rehab with intensity. But will Lillard’s comeback mirror the elite form fans have come to love?
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Damian Lillard’s Legacy: A Hall of Fame Career
No matter what happens next, Damian Lillard’s legacy is secure. A 7-time All-NBA selection, 9-time All-Star, and one of the most clutch performers in NBA history, Lillard has consistently shown loyalty, leadership, and excellence.
His move to Milwaukee was seen as a “win-now” gamble, and though it didn’t pay off as expected, it added another chapter to one of the league’s most respected careers.
Final Thoughts: Lillard’s Road Ahead
The Damian Lillard injury in 2025 might have paused his journey, but it’s far from the end. NBA fans, analysts, and players alike will be watching closely as he begins his long road back to the court. Whether in Milwaukee or elsewhere, Lillard’s return could be one of the most inspiring stories of the 2025–26 season.