The atmosphere at Fiserv Forum turned somber in the first quarter of Game 4 as the Milwaukee Bucks faced the Indiana Pacers. The game, which ultimately concluded with a disappointing 129-103 defeat for the Bucks, took a drastic turn when star player Damian Lillard collapsed on the court. Just returning from a month-long absence due to a blood clot in his calf, Lillard was positioned at the 3-point line when he suddenly fell, clutching his left calf and Achilles tendon.
As the game paused for a dead ball, Kyle Kuzma rushed to help Lillard up, but the nine-time All-Star was unable to put weight on his injured leg. Lillard was assisted by Bucks coach Doc Rivers and the medical team as he hopped to the bench and eventually made his way down the tunnel, leaning on Andre Jackson Jr. for support. By halftime, the Bucks announced that Lillard would not return due to a lower left leg injury, raising immediate concerns among fans and teammates alike.
As reports emerged, Chris Haynes indicated that there was fear Lillard might have suffered a torn left Achilles tendon. Rivers, visibly shaken, addressed the media post-game, stating that Lillard would undergo an MRI on Monday, though he admitted the prognosis did not look promising. Lillard exited the arena on crutches and in a walking boot, leaving the Bucks trailing by 11 points at halftime after being just three points behind when he left the game.
Rivers expressed the emotional impact of Lillard’s injury on the team, stating, "I've seen injuries deflate teams. Tonight, that one hurt." He continued, acknowledging the challenge ahead as the Bucks aimed to regroup and prepare for the next game in Indiana. "It's really tough to talk to a team after that," Rivers added, highlighting the emotional toll on the players who were visibly shaken in the locker room.
As the locker room opened to media, only a few players remained, and those who did were somber. Pat Connaughton, a long-time friend of Lillard since their time with the Portland Trail Blazers, was deeply affected and even left the bench to check on his teammate. "Didn't talk much, just wanted him to know myself, his teammates, people who care about him ... we're all here for him," Connaughton said, capturing the sentiment shared by the entire Bucks team.
While the Bucks were not ready to concede the series, players understood the gravity of the situation without Lillard on the court. Bobby Portis expressed his sadness: "When a guy works as hard as he can to get back on the court and then those things happen, very sad for him. Sad for us, for real. We need him out there."
Before his return to the court in Game 2 against the Pacers, Lillard had been diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf on March 25, raising concerns that his season might be over. However, both Lillard's camp and the Bucks were optimistic about his return. Reflecting on his injury, Lillard had previously stated, "I think I've had a couple of surgeries in my career... but those are all things that you go to rehab, you deal with it like that, like an athlete would." The news of a possible Achilles injury now casts a shadow on his future and the Bucks' playoff hopes.
In his first two games back, Lillard struggled with his shooting, making only 6 of 25 field goals. However, his presence was a much-needed boost for the Bucks, who managed to secure a win in Game 3 with Lillard contributing defensively. With Lillard's potential absence, the Bucks face a daunting task ahead in the playoffs.
As the clock approached 12:30 a.m. local time, Giannis Antetokounmpo arrived at the podium, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. "What do we got?" he asked, before addressing the emotional toll Lillard’s injury had on the team. Antetokounmpo expressed his deep respect for Lillard, emphasizing the challenges he has faced both on and off the court. "I always had respect for Dame before we became teammates, but now my respect level is much higher," he said.
If Lillard's injury is indeed a torn Achilles tendon, the chances of the Bucks overcoming a 3-1 series deficit become slim. The emotional and physical implications extend beyond just the series, leaving the team, Lillard, and their fans with uncertainty about the future. As Rivers quietly uttered a phrase of frustration while leaving the podium, the sentiment in Milwaukee was clear: the team is facing a moment of crisis.
