MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Bucks faced a daunting setback in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers when star guard Damian Lillard exited Game 4 with a troubling non-contact injury. The incident occurred during the first quarter on Sunday, April 27, 2025, as Lillard, a nine-time All-Star, slipped and fell to the ground, leading to immediate concern among fans and teammates alike.
A preliminary examination suggested a possible Achilles tendon injury, raising alarms for the Bucks as they strive to overcome a 2-1 series deficit. Coach Doc Rivers confirmed that further evaluations would take place on Monday, April 28, 2025, stating, “Obviously, it’s lower leg. And, just being honest, it’s not very promising.” The urgency of the situation intensified as Lillard was helped off the court by his teammates, visibly limping and needing assistance to return to the locker room.
This injury adds to the Bucks' list of postseason woes, as they have dealt with various health issues since their championship run in 2021. Lillard's latest setback is particularly concerning, as he had just made a remarkable return from a right calf deep vein thrombosis that sidelined him for the final 14 regular-season games and the opening game of this playoff series.
The injury unfolded midway through the first quarter when Lillard attempted to tip a ball toward teammate Gary Trent Jr. He immediately grabbed the lower part of his left leg, prompting a halt in play. After a foul stopped the game, Milwaukee’s Kyle Kuzma assisted Lillard in getting back on his feet. The Bucks later announced that Lillard would not return for the remainder of the game.
Before his injury, Lillard had struggled to find his rhythm in the playoffs, averaging just 10.5 points per game in the series, with shooting splits of .240 from the field, .188 from beyond the arc, and .857 from the free-throw line. His performance in Game 3, where he scored only seven points in 32 minutes, marked a playoff career low for the prolific scorer.
As the Bucks trailed the Pacers 2-1 heading into Game 4, the stakes were already high. The game saw the Pacers leading 25-15 with just over three minutes left in the first quarter, with Indiana’s Myles Turner leading all scorers with nine points on 4-of-5 shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks' star power forward, contributed six points and five rebounds but struggled to carry the team without Lillard's scoring prowess.
In the wake of Lillard's departure, Ryan Rollins was inserted into the lineup to fill the void. The Bucks' reliance on Lillard for 3-point shooting and offensive creation underscores the potential impact of his absence on their playoff aspirations. If Lillard is forced to miss additional games, the Bucks may find it challenging to advance in the postseason.
Injuries have plagued the Bucks in recent playoffs. Khris Middleton missed an entire seven-game Eastern Conference semifinal loss to Boston in 2022 due to a sprained medial collateral ligament, while Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a bruised lower back in the first playoff game of 2023, returning only for Game 4 of a series they ultimately lost 4-1 to the Miami Heat. Last season, the Bucks fell to the Pacers in the first round, where Antetokounmpo was sidelined due to a calf strain and Lillard missed two games with an Achilles injury.
As the game progressed without Lillard, the atmosphere in Fiserv Forum shifted, with fans holding their breath for news on the star guard's condition. The Bucks’ playoff journey now hangs in the balance, and the next steps regarding Lillard's health will be crucial in determining their fate in this series.
With the Bucks falling to the Pacers by a score of 129-103 in Game 4, the team faces a critical moment. The loss puts them in a precarious position as they must now rally without one of their key players. The upcoming evaluations of Lillard’s injury will be pivotal in shaping the Bucks' strategy moving forward, as they look to bounce back in this best-of-seven series.
The Bucks have a history of overcoming adversity, but the stakes have never been higher. With the series now at 3-1 in favor of the Pacers, the Bucks will need to dig deep and find a way to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the next challenge. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the team navigates this difficult moment in their playoff campaign.
