Just weeks ago, it felt like the Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff hopes were spiraling. Damian Lillard—arguably their most explosive offensive weapon—had been sidelined indefinitely after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening blood clot in his right calf. The diagnosis was a shock to the system, not just for the Bucks, but for the league at large. For athletes, DVT can spell months—sometimes longer—away from the game. For some, like Chris Bosh, it ends Hall of Fame careers.

But earlier this week, in a stunning and unforeseen turn, Damian Lillard was officially cleared to return to the court.

Although he will not suit up for Game 1 of Milwaukee’s first-round series against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday (April 19), his availability for Game 2 remains in play. League sources told The Athletic Lillard took part in a controlled three-on-three scrimmage on Wednesday and was a full participant in Thursday’s team practice—an encouraging sign for a team desperate to regain its footing.

“Today, he did everything,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers told reporters on Thursday. “There’s no limitations at all, you know, other than his lungs and timing and everything else.”

It’s a return as fast as it is rare. According to Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist and medical director at Saddleback Medical Center, the timetable for recovery from DVT is anything but predictable.

“The recovery is unpredictable and it’s all based on how long it takes for the blood clot to dissolve,” Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist and medical director of the Structural Heart Program at Saddleback Medical Center in Laguna Hills, Calif., told The Athletic earlier this month. “Depending on the person, the time it takes for the blood clot to resolve could be anywhere from three months to a year. I understand why teams would be like, ‘We can’t give a timeline.’ Because if I were the doctor, I would tell the teams, ‘I can’t give you a timeline.’ ”

That’s what makes Lillard’s clearance both miraculous and medically extraordinary. He’s gone from a potentially season-ending diagnosis to probable playoff contributor in a matter of weeks. “This could have been career-threatening—or it was,” Rivers said. “And the fact that there’s a very good chance that he’s gonna play in the playoffs for us, that’s a godsend.”

Lillard’s early detection, swift diagnosis, and rapid response to treatment are all contributing factors in his accelerated return. The Bucks’ medical staff moved quickly. For Lillard, a nine-time All-Star and veteran of countless high-stakes moments, the optimism never wavered.

The Bucks managed to close the regular season without their star guard, but his presence was sorely missed—and sorely needed—for a postseason run that will require firepower, leadership, and fearlessness. And, if nothing else, Lillard’s return provides a sense of hope for a Bucks squad eager to return to their championship form. 

“Game 1, 2, 3, whatever. He knows how much he means to this team, and we know, so we’ll be happy when we can get him back, for sure,” backup point guard Kevin Porter Jr. told The Athletic.

Dame’s status for Game 2 may still be up in the air. But one thing is clear: Dame Time isn’t going anywhere.