It sure was nice seeing Damion Lee on the court

And that shot? So smooth.

The Phoenix Suns opened their preseason slate of games last night in Palm Desert, defeating the Los Angeles Lakers by a final score of 118-114. It’s like I’ve said…just because the games don’t count doesn’t mean they don’t matter. It mattered for one person, in particular, Suns’ guard Damion Lee.

It had been 514 days since Damion Lee stepped foot on an NBA basketball in full uniform with intent to play. The sharpshooting Lee was a force during the 2022-23 season, knocking down 44.5% of his three-pointers in his inaugural campaign in Phoenix.

After re-signing with the Suns last summer, he faced a setback during training camp, suffering what initially seemed like a routine meniscus tear. We braced ourselves for his absence, thinking it would be a standard recovery process. However, the diagnosis was far more alarming.

What was first believed to be a simple tear turned out to be a root tear, where the meniscus had detached entirely from the bone, a condition far more serious and complex to treat. To make matters worse, it wasn’t just one tear but a double root tear, a rare and painful injury that required an equally rare surgical procedure. Lee had to undergo a double posterior root repair of his meniscus, a daunting surgery with an extended recovery period, raising uncertainty about his return and future performance on the court.

“It’s been a journey,” Lee said at Suns Media Day. “It was a uphill battle for a while. Fighting depression. Going to see a therapist. Just didn’t know if I was going to be the same person again, let alone the same player.”

The human side of basketball came into sharp focus as Damion opened up about the external and internal battles he faced on his journey back to the sport he loved. Beyond the physical pain, the mental toll was undeniable. The uncertainty of his recovery weighed heavily, casting shadows of doubt on his future in the game. It became clear that mental health is a fragile thing, especially for athletes whose identities are so intertwined with their performance.

As Damion struggled to regain his form, he also fought an invisible battle: coping with the fear, anxiety, and frustration that come with being sidelined. His vulnerability in sharing these struggles served as a powerful reminder that the road to recovery isn’t just about healing the body, but the mind as well.

Reports out of Training Camp 2024 have been positive. “I had like two dunks today,” Lee said after practice on day 3, “and guys were like, ‘Oh man, might need to stop practice. D-Lee just dunked. What’s happening?”

And on Sunday night, with 4:12 left in the third quarter, Damion Lee checked into the game. Sure, it might only be preseason, but having Damion walk out on the court hit me right in the feels. Knowing the struggle he faced. Knowing he could have left in free agency this summer but chose to stay in Phoenix. Knowing what it must’ve meant to him as a player. The game didn’t count, but that moment mattered.

And he sure looked good, didn’t he?

It was as if he hadn’t missed a step. His jumper? Quick, smooth, and precise…like clockwork. Each shot felt effortless, a perfect blend of muscle memory and confidence. This was the missing piece from last season, the spark that the team so desperately needed.

Seeing him back on the court wasn’t just a reminder of his skill; it was a reminder of the energy and balance he brings to the game. His presence elevated the team, filling a void that had been all too apparent a season ago, and it was clear that his return could shift the dynamics of the season ahead.

He played 10:07, hitting 4 of his 6 shots including 2-of-3 from beyond the arc. Lee ended with 10 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, and led the team with a +13 +/-.

It’s been a journey,” Lee said in his post-game inter. “I’m not gonna cry yet.” He added, “I felt good.”

You looked great out there, Damion, and the fanbase is fully behind you. Sure, we’re excited to see you back on the court, but more than that, we’re thrilled to see you doing well as a person. It’s okay to not always be okay. The journey you’ve been on — the setbacks, the struggles — has shaped you and led to this moment. And while this is a victory in itself, we know there are many more meaningful moments still to come.

We’re with you every step of the way. #SunsUp

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