Milwaukee’s playoff hopes took a devastating hit Sunday as Damian Lillard suffered a potentially season-ending injury during the Bucks’ 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of their first-round series.
Bucks Fear the Worst After Damian Lillard Injury
Lillard exited the game midway through the first quarter after battling for a rebound and collapsing to the floor without contact. He was unable to put weight on his left leg and had to be helped off the court.
After the game, Bucks coach Doc Rivers offered a grim update:
“Just being honest, it’s not very promising.”
Lillard will undergo an MRI on Monday to determine the severity of the injury, which the team fears could involve an Achilles tendon tear.
Lillard’s Struggles Before Injury
Lillard had only recently returned from a month-long absence caused by deep vein thrombosis in his right leg. However, he had struggled to find his rhythm against Indiana:
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Averaging 10.5 points per game
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Shooting just 24% from the field across the series
In Game 4, Lillard left the court scoreless after just eight minutes of action.
Bucks Trail Pacers 3-1 After Blowout Loss
Without Lillard, the Bucks looked outmatched as Indiana seized full control of the series. Milwaukee now faces elimination heading into Game 5 on Tuesday night in Indianapolis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo emphasized the need for resilience:
“The next guy’s got to step up. We got to move the ball, play together, try to win the game and come back.”
What’s Next
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Game 5: Tuesday, in Indianapolis
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Series Status: Pacers lead 3-1
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Damian Lillard: Awaiting MRI results
Milwaukee’s season — and Lillard’s immediate future — now hang in the balance.
