MILWAUKEE (Diya TV) — Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard’s season has come to a devastating end after tearing his left Achilles tendon in Sunday’s Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers. Lillard, who had already battled through a significant injury earlier this season, will now face months of grueling rehab, with his future in question as he enters his 14th NBA season.
The injury occurred early in the first quarter, when Lillard, 34, attempted to secure an offensive rebound but collapsed in pain as he planted his left foot. Medical imaging on Monday confirmed the worst fears of Lillard and the organization: a torn Achilles tendon. The injury ends his season and casts uncertainty over his status for the 2025-26 campaign, as recovery from an Achilles tear typically takes between 8-12 months.
Lillard had previously missed 14 games this season due to a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right leg, but he returned in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Pacers. The nine-time All-Star had been playing well in his return, averaging 24.9 points and 7 assists per game on career-best shooting percentages. His injury now leaves the Bucks to fight for their playoff lives without one of their key players.
“Seeing anybody go through something like that is tough,” said Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. “You don’t want anybody to get hurt, especially a guy like Dame. I’ve seen everything he’s been through, and I have so much respect for him.” Antetokounmpo’s words echoed the concern in the locker room as the Bucks prepare to head to Indianapolis for Game 5, trailing 3-1 in the series.
The Bucks’ playoff hopes now hinge solely on Antetokounmpo, who has been the team’s cornerstone for years. However, Lillard’s absence doesn’t just impact the postseason. The injury brings into focus the team’s long-term plans as Milwaukee faces a difficult offseason. With Lillard’s $54.1 million salary next season, his injury puts the Bucks in a precarious position, particularly as they confront uncertainty about potential roster changes.
Lillard’s absence means Antetokounmpo will have to shoulder an even heavier load. The Bucks’ playoff performance has been underwhelming in recent years, and the team’s championship window could be narrowing. After a promising stretch to close the regular season, which included an eight-game win streak, Milwaukee now faces a dire situation. The Bucks have never come back from a 3-1 deficit in the playoffs, with only 13 teams in NBA history achieving that feat.
Off the court, the Bucks have decisions to make about their roster for next season. With several key players potentially hitting free agency, and the team lacking significant draft assets following trades for Lillard and Jrue Holiday, Milwaukee’s future remains in flux. For now, the focus is on the present and trying to avoid another first-round elimination.
The Bucks will attempt the near-impossible task of coming back from a 3-1 series deficit, but with Lillard out indefinitely, their path forward is clouded.
As for Lillard, the road to recovery will be long. The Achilles tear is one of the most severe injuries an athlete can face, and many players struggle to return to peak performance after surgery. However, Lillard remains determined. Sources report that he is in good spirits and fully motivated to return to form. Whether he can return to the same level of play that made him a perennial All-Star remains to be seen, but the Bucks are hopeful he will eventually overcome this setback.
For now, all eyes are on the Bucks’ next move as they prepare for a tough Game 5 on Tuesday in Indianapolis, hoping to stave off elimination and keep their playoff dreams alive.
