Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard left Sunday night`s Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers (129-103) in the first quarter due to a left lower leg injury. He is scheduled for an MRI exam on Monday to determine the severity of the issue.
Sources indicate that an initial evaluation suggested a potential Achilles tendon injury, corroborating various reports.
“To be frank, it doesn`t look very encouraging,” commented Bucks coach Doc Rivers after the game.
Lillard sustained the injury while attempting to secure an offensive rebound during the first quarter. After tipping the ball away from an opponent, he fell to the floor, immediately clutching his left leg and remaining down through the next defensive possession.
He required assistance to get back on his feet during the subsequent dead ball and was helped off the court, unable to put weight on his left leg. He was escorted to the locker room and subsequently ruled out for the rest of the contest.
“I knew it instantly,” Rivers stated. “I felt terrible for him; he was trying to return for his team. I just really felt bad for him.”
Lillard was seen leaving the arena using crutches and wearing a walking boot.
“When you witness a player like that unable to walk by himself, you realize this could be serious,” said Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. “Then, you just hope for the best possible outcome.”
Lillard exited the game with 5:57 remaining in the first quarter, with the Bucks trailing 15-12. Rivers acknowledged that Lillard`s injury was disheartening for the rest of the squad.
“Dame is one of those exceptional talents,” noted Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. “He`s absolutely essential, highly influential in every aspect. Seeing him go down and unable to return is definitely a blow.”
Milwaukee currently trails Indiana 3-1 in the series. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Indianapolis.
Lillard had previously missed the final 14 games of the regular season due to deep vein thrombosis in his right leg. He returned for Game 2 of this first-round series against the Pacers after a month-long absence, a recovery process the team described as unprecedented.
However, Lillard had not performed at his usual level in this series, averaging only 10.5 points and 6.0 assists while shooting just 24% (6-of-25) in his first two games. He missed both of his shots in Game 4 before exiting.
“When a player works so incredibly hard to get back on the court, and then something like this happens, it`s truly sad for him,” commented Bucks forward Bobby Portis. “Honestly, it`s sad for us too. We need him out there.”
Following Lillard`s injury, the Pacers initiated a 10-3 run, establishing a double-digit lead. Indiana held a double-digit advantage by halftime for the second consecutive game and extended their lead to secure a 26-point victory, marking the second-largest home playoff loss in Bucks history, according to research.
“At this stage of the season, I believe everyone gets caught up in the theatrics, the playoff rivalries, and all that. But ultimately, this league is a fraternity,” said Pacers center Myles Turner. “There are only about 450 of us, and he`s always been one of my favorite competitors since I joined the league. Just sending thoughts and prayers. You never wish to see something like [Lillard`s injury] happen, regardless of how competitive these playoffs are.”
For the third straight season, Milwaukee finds itself trailing 3-1 in a playoff series. While awaiting Monday`s MRI results, the Bucks are preparing for the possibility of being without Lillard as they try to avoid a third consecutive first-round playoff elimination.
“I think everyone in the locker room understands the situation,” Antetokounmpo stated. “The next player needs to step up. We have to do what`s necessary, move the ball, play cohesively, try to win the game, and fight our way back.”