Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard suffered a serious setback on Sunday night, being forced out of Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers with a left leg injury. Damian Lillard suffered the injury midway through the first quarter and now the Bucks’ playoff future is in major doubt.
What happened to Damian Lillard?
Damian Lillard suffered the injury while attempting to get an offensive rebound. After nicking the ball away from a Pacers player, Damian Lillard fell to the floor, clutching his lower left leg. Unable to continue playing, he was carried off the court without putting any weight on his leg and was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Initial tests have raised concerns about a possible Achilles tendon injury. An MRI is scheduled for Monday to confirm the extent of the damage. Bucks coach Doc Rivers did not sound optimistic, saying, “It’s not very promising, to be honest.”
Damian Lillard’s Battle with Injuries this Season
Damian Lillard’s injury came after he made a stunning comeback from a previous health issue. Damian Lillard missed the final 14 regular-season games due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, a condition that required intensive treatment and time away from basketball. His return for the playoffs was a much-needed boost for Milwaukee, but the latest incident has sidelined the seven-time All-NBA guard again.
Before being ruled out for Game 4, Damian Lillard struggled to find his usual rhythm, averaging just 10.5 points and 6.0 assists on 24% shooting in the first two games of the series.
How the Injury Affected the Bucks’ Playoff Chances
The Milwaukee Bucks, already down 3-1 in the series, now face an even tougher challenge without Damian Lillard. His absence was felt immediately, as the Pacers took full control of the game after he left, and eventually won 129-103. The loss was the second-worst home playoff loss in Bucks history.
Teammates expressed deep concern and sadness over Damian Lillard’s injury. Giannis Antetokounmpo commented, “When you see a guy like that unable to walk on his own, you know it could be serious. Then, you hope for the best.”
Kevin Porter Jr. also echoed similar sentiments, saying, “Dame is one of those special guys. To see him fall and not be able to come back is definitely a defeat.”
A History of Playoff Setbacks
Unfortunately, injuries have been a recurring theme for Milwaukee during recent postseason runs. In 2022, Khris Middleton missed crucial games due to a sprained MCL. Last year, Antetokounmpo struggled with a lower back injury, and now, facing the uncertain future of Damian Lillard, the Bucks’ championship hopes are once again in limbo.
This is the third consecutive season the Bucks have fallen behind 3-1 in a playoff series, and now they must fight for survival without their star guard. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Indianapolis, and the team is preparing to adjust its strategy without Damian Lillard.
What’s Next for the Bucks?
While a final diagnosis of Damian Lillard’s injury is still pending, the Bucks must regroup quickly. Coach Doc Rivers stressed the need for everyone to step up, saying, “The next guy has to step up. We have to do what we have to do, move the ball, play together, try to win the game and come back.”
Damian Lillard was seen leaving the arena on crutches and wearing a walking boot, further highlighting the severity of the injury. As the Bucks await MRI results, fans and teammates are hoping for a miraculous recovery, though the road ahead looks challenging.
The departure of Damian Lillard at such a crucial moment could redefine the Bucks’ postseason ambitions. Without him, Milwaukee will need every bit of resilience it can muster to overcome a 3-1 deficit and keep its championship hopes alive.
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