Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard isn’t sure exactly when he will be playing again. He’s just grateful that moment will come sooner than anyone could have reasonably expected.

As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to face the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, Damian Lillard is entering the postseason with a fresh perspective—and a powerful message. Reflecting on a recent health scare that kept him off the floor, Lillard opened up about how the experience gave him a new outlook.

The Indiana Pacers are taking on the Milwaukee Bucks for the second straight year in the first round of the playoffs. They were able to beat the Bucks in six games last year. Last season, the Pacers didn't have to contend with Giannis Antetokounmpo at all during the series.