In a heartbreaking turn of events for the Milwaukee Bucks, star guard Damian Lillard left Game 4 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers with a potential Achilles injury, leading the Bucks to a 129-103 defeat on Sunday night at Fiserv Forum. This loss puts Milwaukee on the brink of elimination, trailing 3-1 in the best-of-seven series.
Lillard, who had just returned from deep vein thrombosis in his calf, suffered the injury midway through the first quarter. As he attempted to tip a loose ball to teammate Gary Trent Jr., he collapsed to the court, clutching his lower left leg. Initial examinations suggest a possible Achilles tendon injury, although the Bucks have yet to confirm the severity of the situation.
“They’re going to do an image tomorrow,” said Bucks coach Doc Rivers. “Obviously, it’s lower leg. And, just being honest, it’s not very promising.” Rivers, whose team has faced a slew of injuries in recent postseasons, expressed his concern for Lillard, who had already battled through significant health issues this season.
“This is a tough one, honestly,” Rivers added. “Blood clot, followed by this. It’s just tough. That’s why you have teammates and family around him.”
Despite Lillard's absence, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, but he struggled to find his rhythm early, shooting just 3-for-10 in the first half. The Pacers took advantage of Lillard's injury, building a double-digit lead and never looking back.
Myles Turner spearheaded the Pacers' offensive effort, scoring 23 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed significantly with 17 points and a staggering 15 assists. The Pacers shot an impressive 60.2% from the field and 46.2% from beyond the arc, demonstrating their offensive prowess throughout the game.
“You hate to see that happen, especially to a guy who went through a lot,” Haliburton remarked, referring to Lillard’s earlier health struggles. “He’s given it his all to come out here and play after a scary health issue.”
In the first quarter, the Pacers quickly established dominance, with Turner scoring nine of their first 13 points. The Bucks managed to close the gap to six by the end of the first quarter, thanks to a flurry of three-pointers from A.J. Green and Kevin Porter Jr. However, without Lillard, the Bucks found it increasingly difficult to keep pace.
Porter Jr. stepped up in Lillard's absence, finishing with 23 points, six assists, and five rebounds. “This business is a business of the next-man-up,” Porter Jr. stated. “Things happen. You got to look at what you got and figure it out.”
The second quarter saw the Pacers extend their lead to 63-52 by halftime, with Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr. being the only Buck in double figures at that point. Giannis attempted to rally his team in the third quarter, scoring 18 points in that frame alone, but the Pacers responded with consistent scoring and maintained their lead.
As the game progressed, Indiana’s balanced attack became evident, with eight players scoring in double figures. Obi Toppin’s layup at the end of the third quarter pushed the Pacers ahead 101-84, leaving the Bucks with little hope of a comeback.
“We just got to stay true to our identity,” Porter Jr. emphasized, highlighting the need for the Bucks to regroup and focus on their defensive strategies moving forward. “When we play defense and attack them... it’s night and day for us.”
The Bucks now face a daunting task as they head into Game 5 on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With Lillard’s injury and the team’s playoff struggles, Rivers knows there’s little time to waste. “My job over the next 40 hours or whatever we have is to get us upright again,” he said. “Try to win one game in Indiana and get back here for Game 6.”
As for Antetokounmpo, he remains focused on the challenge ahead despite the emotional toll of Lillard's injury. “I’m going to do the same thing that I’ve been doing my whole career,” he stated. “Taking care of my body, prepping my body, prepping myself mentally and go out there to try to play basketball.”
With the stakes higher than ever, the Bucks must rally together to overcome this latest hurdle and keep their playoff hopes alive. The clock is ticking, and the pressure is mounting as they prepare for a must-win Game 5 against the Pacers.
