Damian Lillard, the all-star point guard of the Milwaukee Bucks, suffered a crushing injury in Game 4 of his team’s Eastern Conference playoff loss. In this game, their opponent was the Indiana Pacers. That’s exactly how Lillard’s got most-recently injured, as he pursued an offensive rebound. He extended his arm to swat the ball away from a Pacers player at the time. In a stunning and tragic development, he went down court side without contact. This unforeseen occurrence sparked immediate fear and concern from his peers as well as all of the NFL aficionados.
After the game, Lillard left the arena in a walking boot and on crutches. After all, the team’s head coach Doc Rivers said it best when he called the severity of Lillard’s situation “not promising.” Later medical checks would reveal the worst short-term anxieties. After an MRI, Lillard learned he has indeed torn his left Achilles tendon, an injury that will prematurely conclude his disappointing season.
The injury only deepens Lillard’s existential crisis. Longer, and he’d endanger his entire 2025-26 campaign. The Bucks have agreed to pay Lillard $113 million over the next two seasons. Aside from being a four-year deal, this deal guarantees him the 2025-26 season while the 2026-27 season comes with a player option. Considering he will turn 35 years old this July, the future impact of this injury would likely re-chart the Bucks’ long-term course.
In his two full seasons after landing with Milwaukee, Lillard has put up an average of 24.6 points per game on a stellar 44/37/91 shooting split. His career high was in his second season with just 58 games played. With averages of 24.9PT 7.1AST on 45% shooting 38% from deep he obviously got into a groove.
This blunderup seems particularly bad in the face of Lillard’s historic durability. He had previously mounted an impressive return to the court after recovering from deep vein thrombosis in his right leg. Teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledged there would be challenges but had no concerns about Lillard’s mental fortitude or ability to thrive in adversity.
“He’s one of the toughest — mentally toughest — guys I’ve ever been around, and that’s why he is who he is,” – Giannis Antetokounmpo
Antetokounmpo promised fans and teammates that there would be support for Lillard as he goes through the recovery process.
“Everybody’s going to be there for him, and no matter what the obstacle is for him, he’s going to overcome and we’re going to help him overcome it.” – Giannis Antetokounmpo
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