Damian Lillard, the star guard for the Portland Trail Blazers, has officially reached a remarkable milestone by completing 100,000 three-pointers during his rehabilitation from a torn Achilles tendon. This achievement underscores Lillard's determination and work ethic as he prepares for his return to the NBA.
Known as one of the premier shooters in the history of the league, Lillard has had a challenging year. The 36-year-old was sidelined for the entirety of the previous season after suffering a significant injury during the 2025 NBA Playoffs while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. After a tumultuous stint with the Bucks, which was marred by injuries, Lillard rejoined the Trail Blazers last summer on a three-year, $41.6 million deal, a move that surprised many fans and analysts who speculated he would never return to the franchise.
Setting a personal goal during his recovery, Lillard aimed to make 100,000 three-pointers, a feat he has now accomplished. The Trail Blazers shared a video of Lillard celebrating this achievement, where he reflected on the rigorous process that led him to this point. "Every morning, I was coming in, doing my rehab, and getting up shots. After I was cleared to do basketball activities, I was getting 150-200 makes. I thought I was really doing something because it had been so long since I got some court work in," he explained.
As he progressed in his rehabilitation, Lillard decided to aim even higher, stating, "Once I got to about 8,000, let me try and make 100,000 by next year. We started tracking every workout we did, and today was the day I finally crossed over the 100,000 mark." His trainer revealed that Lillard had made an impressive 11,000 three-pointers in August 2026 alone, highlighting his growing comfort and confidence on the court.
The 100,000 shots Lillard recorded were not merely casual attempts; they included a variety of shooting drills, with the guard maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of around 80-85% throughout this extensive practice. This level of dedication is indicative of Lillard's commitment to excellence as he prepares for the upcoming season.
Looking ahead, Lillard is expected to return to the court for the Trail Blazers' season opener against the Phoenix Suns on October 21, 2026. This game will mark 18 months since his injury in April 2025, and fans are eager to see how he will contribute to a team that made the playoffs last season without him. As the all-time leading scorer in Trail Blazers history, Lillard's presence is crucial for the team's aspirations in the upcoming season.
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