In a devastating turn of events for the Milwaukee Bucks, star guard Damian Lillard suffered a serious injury during their playoff matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night, April 27, 2025. The Bucks fell to the Pacers 129-103, putting them in a precarious 3-1 hole in their first-round playoff series.
Lillard went down with a left lower leg injury just minutes into the game, raising immediate concerns about the severity of his condition. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there are fears that Lillard may have torn his left Achilles tendon, which would not only end his playoff run but could also sideline him for a significant portion of the upcoming season.
The incident occurred when Lillard attempted to grab a rebound at the top of the key. In a non-contact situation, he stumbled and fell to the court while managing to tip the ball to a teammate. However, he quickly reached for his left ankle, indicating he was in considerable pain. Lillard remained on the floor for several minutes before being helped off without putting any weight on his injured leg.
After being taken to the locker room, Lillard was ruled out for the rest of the game. "Just being honest, it’s not very promising," said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers regarding Lillard's injury. An MRI was scheduled for Monday, April 28, to determine the extent of the damage.
This was Lillard's third game back after missing a month due to a blood clot in his right calf, a condition that many feared would end his season prematurely. He was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in mid-March, but after a remarkable recovery, he returned for Game 2 of the series, scoring 14 points and dishing out seven assists. However, he struggled in Game 3, managing only seven points and five assists.
In the brief time he played during Game 4, Lillard recorded two assists and two rebounds but failed to score, going 0-of-2 from the field. His absence was felt acutely as the Bucks struggled to keep pace with the Pacers, who dominated the game from start to finish.
Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with an impressive performance, contributing 17 points, 15 assists, and eight rebounds. Myles Turner and Andrew Nembhard also played pivotal roles, adding 23 and 20 points respectively. The Pacers' strong shooting, over 60% from the field, helped them secure a commanding victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Bucks with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists, expressed his concern for Lillard. "I felt bad for him. The guy tried to come back for his team... It’s just tough," he said. The Bucks' performance was notably hampered by Lillard's injury, and Rivers acknowledged the emotional toll it took on the team. "I’ve seen injuries deflate teams, but tonight that one hurt," he stated.
As the Bucks prepare for Game 5, scheduled for Tuesday, April 29, in Indianapolis, the team faces an uphill battle without their star guard. Rivers and his coaching staff will need to strategize effectively to compensate for Lillard's absence, which significantly alters their offensive dynamics.
Kevin Porter Jr., who stepped up in Lillard's absence, scored 23 points and provided some offensive spark, but the overall team effort fell short. "Seeing him go down and not be able to return is definitely defeating as a brother," Porter reflected. The Bucks will need to rally together to overcome this adversity, as the stakes are higher than ever.
The implications of Lillard's injury extend beyond the current playoffs. If confirmed as a torn Achilles, he could face a lengthy recovery, reminiscent of other players who suffered similar injuries in the past. The Bucks, who acquired Lillard in a high-profile trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, are now faced with the reality of potentially losing their star player for an extended period.
As the series progresses, the Bucks must not only focus on their immediate challenges but also consider the long-term ramifications of Lillard's health on their championship aspirations. With the pressure mounting, the team must find a way to regroup and continue fighting in the playoffs, even as they grapple with the uncertainty surrounding their key player.
Game 5 will be crucial for the Bucks as they aim to stave off elimination and keep their playoff hopes alive. The Pacers, buoyed by their current momentum and Lillard's absence, will look to capitalize and secure their spot in the next round of the playoffs.
As the basketball world watches closely, the Bucks will need to summon their resilience and determination to face the challenges ahead, all while hoping for the best for their teammate, Damian Lillard.
