Milwaukee’s hopes took a devastating blow Sunday when an MRI confirmed a Damian Lillard injury as a torn left Achilles tendon. The superstar guard will undergo surgery, officially ending his 2024-25 season and imperiling his availability for the 2025-26 campaign given the lengthy rehabilitation such an injury demands.
Lillard went down without contact midway through the first quarter of Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers. After diving to keep an offensive rebound alive and attempting to swat the ball away, he collapsed to the court, clutching his left foot. Unable to bear weight, he was helped off in a walking boot on crutches. Coach Doc Rivers cautioned afterward that Lillard’s prognosis was “not promising.”
MRI Confirms Achilles Tear, Surgery Scheduled
The Bucks swiftly ordered an MRI, which revealed a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon in Lillard’s left leg. Surgery is set for later this week, marking a grim turning point for both player and franchise:
- Immediate Impact: Lillard’s season is over; Game 5 in Indiana looms without their leading scorer.
- Recovery Timeline: Typical Achilles rehabilitation spans 9–12 months, placing his 2025-26 availability in doubt.
- Financial Stakes: Lillard, turning 35 in July, is owed $113 million over the next two seasons. Including a player option for 2026-27.
On social media Monday, Lillard acknowledged the support:
“Appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. This one really hurt… HIS way not MY way. To Be Continued.”
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Just weeks ago, Lillard returned from a deep vein thrombosis in his right leg. He missed 14 regular-season games and the first playoff matchup but logged three appearances thereafter—averaging 7.0 points and 4.7 assists on 22% shooting. Prior to the DVT diagnosis, Lillard had completed 58 games with a stellar 24.9 points and 7.1 assists on 45% shooting, establishing himself as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s co-leader in Milwaukee.
“It’s one of the toughest – mentally toughest – guys I’ve ever been around,” said Antetokounmpo. “I believe he’ll overcome every obstacle, and we’ll help him do it.”
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Season Slipping Away: Bucks Now Trail Series 3-1
Lillard’s exit came in a disheartening 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers, leaving the Bucks down 3-1 in their first-round series. Doc Rivers admitted the team visibly deflated after Lillard went down. And they never recovered. With Game 5 looming in Indiana, Milwaukee faces a choice. Engineer a historic comeback or begin offseason preparations.
The loss also extends the Bucks’ postseason struggles. Either Lillard or Antetokounmpo has missed playoff games in each of the past three seasons, and the team risks a third straight first-round exit. It’s a stark contrast to their 2021 championship run and highlights how critical health and depth are to sustaining success.
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Broader Implications for the Franchise
Lillard’s arrival in Milwaukee was designed to appease two-time MVP Giannis and bolster title hopes. Yet his defensive inconsistencies and now major injury have raised tough questions about roster construction and the front office’s vision. Watching former Buck Jrue Holiday thrive in Boston hasn’t helped matters, nor has the team’s slow start under Rivers, who saw Milwaukee tumble to the 11th seed early before rallying to a 48-34 finish.
As the Bucks await Lillard’s surgery and recovery timeline, they must confront a new reality:
- Reassessing their championship window without their franchise cornerstone for at least the remainder of the current season.
- Evaluating how to support Giannis and reshape a roster strained by key absences.
- Considering long-term strategies around Lillard’s contract and the team’s defensive identity on which their 2021 title was built.
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