Damian Lillard Makes 100,000 Shots During Recovery Ahead of NBA Return

Rebuilding the Franchise Icon in Portland

The time away from standard NBA game action offered an unexpected chapter for the veteran. Damian Lillard spent the 2025/26 season entirely on the sidelines following a severe left Achilles tendon injury sustained during the 2025 playoffs. Rather than stepping away from the gym, the franchise’s all-time leading scorer channeled his efforts into a massive shooting volume, logging numerous made or attempted shots as he rebuilt his lower body strength.

Reflecting on the grueling rehabilitation process, Lillard noted that the extended break allowed him to reset both physically and mentally. “Passer une saison loin des terrains m’a permis de me ressourcer mentalement et physiquement,” he explained, emphasizing that his trademark shooting touch and competitive edge remained intact throughout the layoff.

A Brief Competitive Interlude at All-Star Weekend

Though his NBA schedule remained clear for the entirety of the regular season, Lillard made a high-profile return to the hardwood in February. True to form, the guard captured his third career 3-point contest title.

“Je suis arrivé confiant, je suis en pleine forme,” Lillard told reporters after claiming the trophy. The mid-season victory served as public validation of the intense shooting regimen he maintained behind closed doors while working through his Achilles recovery in Portland.

High Ambitions for the Next Chapter

Lillard returns to a Portland roster that evolved significantly during his absence. The team successfully navigated the 2025/26 campaign to secure a playoff berth and subsequently added Ja Morant to the core rotation. Lillard views the current group as a genuine contender rather than a transitional roster.

“Je ne reviens pas à Portland simplement pour rentrer à la maison et faire un dernier tour de piste,” Lillard stated regarding his motivations. Looking ahead to the 2026/27 NBA season, the guard has established a clear benchmark for the group: reaching at least 50 victories.

Historical Context and Career Statistics

Before his two-season tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks and subsequent return to the Pacific Northwest, Lillard built his legacy primarily in a Portland uniform. Over his first 11 seasons with the franchise, he cemented his status as one of the league’s most dangerous late-game scorers, famously known for deep perimeter shots that eliminated opponents like Houston and Oklahoma City in the postseason.

Official historical statistics compiled across his career in Portland outline his sustained offensive production:

• Total Games Played (Portland): 716 matches
• Career Scoring Average (Portland): 24.7 points per game
• Peak Scoring Season: 30.0 points per game during the 2019/20 campaign
• Career 3-Point Percentage (Portland): 37.3%

Next Steps on the Road to Opening Night

With his rehabilitation program successfully concluded, Lillard’s immediate focus turns to official team training camp ahead of the 2026/27 NBA preseason. The Trail Blazers will announce their official exhibition schedule and training camp roster dates in the coming weeks as preparation ramps up for opening night.