The Milwaukee Bucks ’ postseason dreams took a devastating blow Sunday night when star guard Damian Lillard went down with a non-contact injury just minutes into Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers. The scene at Fiserv Forum quickly shifted from tense to heartbreaking as Lillard, one of the NBA’s most explosive scorers, grabbed at his lower left leg and couldn't continue.
Damian Lillard’s injury update after early exit in Game 4
Midway through the first quarter, while attempting to secure an offensive rebound after a missed three-pointer by Gary Trent Jr., Lillard tipped the ball but immediately stumbled and collapsed to the floor. Cameras captured the painful moment as Lillard clutched his left ankle and heel area, clearly in distress. He remained seated even as the play continued at the other end. It was Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma who helped him to his feet, but Lillard couldn't put any weight on his left leg and had to be escorted to the locker room.
The Bucks quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game, writing on X, "Damian Lillard (left lower leg injury) will not return to tonight's game." NBA insider Chris Haynes later reported the troubling news that "the fear is Bucks star Damian Lillard suffered a left Achilles tear ," calling it a "brutal circumstance after working himself back from a blood clot diagnosis that kept him out over a month."
This injury is particularly cruel considering the journey Lillard had just undertaken. He missed the last 14 games of the regular season battling deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right leg, a dangerous condition involving blood clots that could have ended his career. Lillard made a remarkably swift comeback in Game 2 of the series, only to now face another potentially devastating setback.
Before the injury, Lillard had only logged six minutes, missing both of his field goal attempts and tallying two rebounds and two assists. Despite his limited output earlier in the series— averaging just 10.5 points on 24% shooting— Lillard's presence was crucial for a Bucks team already trailing the Pacers 2-1. Now, with a crucial Game 5 looming at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Milwaukee faces the daunting prospect of fighting without both Lillard and a still-recovering Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard’s injury history has been well-documented. According to Fox Sports, he has suffered 62 injuries in his 13-year career, with 34 involving his legs. Now at 34 years old, and under contract until 2027, the fear of an Achilles tear casts a long shadow over both his future and that of the Bucks.
Also Read: “I’m just sick to my stomach” – Frustrated Magic Johnson slams Los Angeles Lakers following Game 4 loss to Minnesota Timberwolves
While an official diagnosis is pending, Lillard is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Damian Lillard’s injury update after early exit in Game 4
Damian Lillard goes down with a non-contact injury.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 28, 2025
Prayers. 🙏
pic.twitter.com/5tcfsPSOCb
Midway through the first quarter, while attempting to secure an offensive rebound after a missed three-pointer by Gary Trent Jr., Lillard tipped the ball but immediately stumbled and collapsed to the floor. Cameras captured the painful moment as Lillard clutched his left ankle and heel area, clearly in distress. He remained seated even as the play continued at the other end. It was Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma who helped him to his feet, but Lillard couldn't put any weight on his left leg and had to be escorted to the locker room.
Damian Lillard (left lower leg injury) will not return to tonight's game.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 28, 2025
The Bucks quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game, writing on X, "Damian Lillard (left lower leg injury) will not return to tonight's game." NBA insider Chris Haynes later reported the troubling news that "the fear is Bucks star Damian Lillard suffered a left Achilles tear ," calling it a "brutal circumstance after working himself back from a blood clot diagnosis that kept him out over a month."
Sources: The fear is Bucks star Damian Lillard suffered a left Achilles tear. Brutal circumstance after working himself back from a blood clot diagnosis that kept him out over a month. https://t.co/NgQtMpm0yE
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 28, 2025
This injury is particularly cruel considering the journey Lillard had just undertaken. He missed the last 14 games of the regular season battling deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right leg, a dangerous condition involving blood clots that could have ended his career. Lillard made a remarkably swift comeback in Game 2 of the series, only to now face another potentially devastating setback.
Before the injury, Lillard had only logged six minutes, missing both of his field goal attempts and tallying two rebounds and two assists. Despite his limited output earlier in the series— averaging just 10.5 points on 24% shooting— Lillard's presence was crucial for a Bucks team already trailing the Pacers 2-1. Now, with a crucial Game 5 looming at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Milwaukee faces the daunting prospect of fighting without both Lillard and a still-recovering Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard’s injury history has been well-documented. According to Fox Sports, he has suffered 62 injuries in his 13-year career, with 34 involving his legs. Now at 34 years old, and under contract until 2027, the fear of an Achilles tear casts a long shadow over both his future and that of the Bucks.
Also Read: “I’m just sick to my stomach” – Frustrated Magic Johnson slams Los Angeles Lakers following Game 4 loss to Minnesota Timberwolves
While an official diagnosis is pending, Lillard is scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
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