Damian Lillard is officially back, and his numbers are staggering. The Portland Trail Blazers guard, returning from a torn Achilles that cost him the entire 2025-26 NBA season, announced he made 100,000 shots this offseason. This incredible work comes as the Blazers are on a hot streak, having won their last four games, including a 118-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on April 3, 2026.
Lillard's journey to 100,000 makes started with rehab and gradually increased intensity. He began with modest sessions of 150 to 200 makes once cleared for basketball activities. The Blazers' tracking system then provided detailed feedback on his percentages and shot quality, which fueled his competitive drive. "Once I got to about 8,000, I was like, by this time next year, I'm gonna try and make 100,000," Lillard said. From that point, every workout was careful logged until he finally crossed the six-figure threshold. One standout session saw him hit an astonishing 1,100 out of 1,168 attempts.
Lillard's return creates an exciting, if crowded, guard rotation. He will likely share the backcourt with new teammate Ja Morant, who was traded from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason. Morant reacted to Lillard's shooting feat on social media, simply writing, "this gon be funnnnn." The duo's combined talent is immense, but their recent availability is a concern. Over the past two seasons, Lillard and Morant have played just 128 games total. Head coach Micah Nori now faces the unique challenge of managing minutes and integrating both stars alongside Scoot Henderson and Jrue Holiday.
The Blazers' recent form suggests a team building positive momentum. Their current four-game winning run features some dominant performances. They beat the Milwaukee Bucks 130-99 on March 26, 2026 and topped the Indiana Pacers 127-119 on March 18. This strong finish to the prior season, which also included a 109-81 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on April 13, 2025, provides a solid foundation. However, losses to the Golden State Warriors (103-86 on April 12, 2025) and Utah Jazz (133-126 on April 10, 2025) show consistency is key.
All eyes will be on Lillard's fitness and how quickly he can regain his All-NBA form. His shooting volume proves his dedication, but translating that to game speed against NBA defense is the next test. For the team, blending its high-profile guards into a cohesive unit is the primary offseason objective. Nori must devise a system that maximizes Lillard's elite shooting and Morant's explosive driving ability. If they can stay healthy, the Blazers' backcourt has the potential to be one of the most dynamic in the league, turning those practice makes into regular season and playoff wins.
