Lillard Details Journey to 100,000 Made Shots During Achilles Recovery
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard reached a personal milestone of 100,000 made shots during his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles, which sidelined him for the entire 2025-26 season. He began tracking his makes after being cleared for basketball activities, and the count was logged by team staff. Lillard, a nine-time All-Star and fifth on the NBA's all-time three-point list, remains on track to return for the 2026-27 campaign.
Lillard's rehabilitation regimen began in September 2025 once Portland's medical staff cleared him for on-court work, with every made shot logged into a team tracking system. He set the 100,000 target after reaching roughly 8,000 makes, turning a recovery benchmark into a daily discipline that carried through the entire season.
The milestone adds to a decorated résumé that includes nine All-Star selections and a top-five ranking on the NBA's all-time three-point list. Lillard also competed during his rehab year, winning the 2026 All-Star 3-Point Contest, and now prepares to rejoin a Trail Blazers squad that broke a four-year playoff drought last season.
Lillard's achievement could reshape how athletes approach long-term injury recovery, offering a template that emphasizes measurable daily progress over passive rest. Fans and younger players may adopt similar goal-setting frameworks, while the story reinforces the psychological value of structured routines during rehabilitation. His return next season could also influence the Western Conference playoff picture, potentially affecting ticket sales, merchandise revenue, and competitive balance for the Trail Blazers and their opponents.