The Milwaukee Bucks suffered a 129-103 loss in Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night when Damian Lillard exited early with a serious left leg injury. Damian Lillard’s sudden injury has cast serious doubts over the Bucks’ chances of advancing in the NBA playoffs.
How Damian Lillard’s injury happened
Lillard fell while trying to get an offensive rebound midway through the first quarter. After stripping the ball from a Pacers player, he fell to the ground clutching his lower left leg. Despite trying to move on, Damian Lillard needed assistance to walk off the court and was unable to put any weight on his leg.
The team later confirmed that he would not return for the rest of the game. Initial evaluation suggested a possible Achilles tendon injury, though the final diagnosis will be made after an MRI scheduled for Monday.
Coach Doc Rivers looked emotional after the game and said, “It’s not very promising, to be honest.” Lillard was later seen in a walking boot and on crutches, raising fears that Damian Lillard’s injury could be serious.
Bucks’ struggles deepen without Damian Lillard
The Bucks, already trailing 2-1 in the series, faced even more difficulties due to Damian Lillard’s injury. After he was ruled out, Milwaukee’s momentum dropped sharply. Indiana took advantage of that with a 10-3 run immediately afterward, ultimately handing the Bucks their second-largest playoff loss at home in franchise history.
“He’s one of those special guys,” Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. said of Damian Lillard. “To see him fall apart and not be able to come back is definitely a loss.”
Damian Lillard had recently returned from a different medical issue – deep vein thrombosis in his right calf – that had forced him out for the final 14 regular-season games. His return was considered extraordinary, but now Damian Lillard’s injury is threatening to end his postseason prematurely.
Damian Lillard’s Recent Performance and Impact
In the two games played during this series, Damian Lillard has not looked like his usual self, averaging just 10.5 points and 6.0 assists while shooting 24% from the field. In Game 4, he missed both shot attempts before Damian Lillard’s injury occurred.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has watched his side struggle with injuries in previous playoffs, commented, “When you see a guy who is unable to move on his own, you know it could be serious.”
Teammate Bobby Portis echoed that sentiment, saying, “When a player works hard to get back on the court, and then something like this happens, it’s very sad for him and for us.”
What’s next for Milwaukee?
Milwaukee now trails 3-1 in the series against Indiana with Game 5 in Indianapolis. Even without an official update yet, the team is prepared to move on without Lillard.
“We have to move the ball, play together and try to win games,” Antetokounmpo said. “The next guy has to step up.”
Damian Lillard’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for a franchise that already struggled with a pattern of early playoff exits. Over the past three years, key injuries have repeatedly derailed the Bucks’ postseason dreams, and losing Lillard — their key offseason acquisition — further exacerbates that painful trend.
While the Bucks await MRI results, the NBA world is anxiously watching, knowing the outcome could reshape the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Conclusion
Damian Lillard’s injury in Game 4 not only affected the outcome of that night’s contest, but also the Bucks’ immediate future. Now with the team facing elimination and one of its brightest stars sidelined, Milwaukee must find resilience as quickly as possible. Although a final decision on Lillard’s status is still pending, the road ahead without him on the court looks challenging.
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