Damian Lillard has suffered a torn left Achilles tendon, dealing the Milwaukee Bucks a severe blow after the seven-time All-NBA guard was helped off the court during Sunday’s game. The Bucks confirmed the injury’s severity following an MRI on Monday, and Lillard is now out for the remainder of the postseason. The injury could also affect his availability for the start of next season, with comparisons being drawn to Kevin Durant’s Achilles tear in the 2019 NBA Finals, which caused him to miss the entire 2019-2020 season.
Lillard expressed his gratitude for the support he’s received, posting on Instagram: “Appreciate all the prayers and well wishes. This one really hurt… HIS way not MY way. To be continued …”
The Bucks had been bracing for this outcome after their 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4, which left them trailing 3-1 in their first-round series. Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday in Indianapolis. Lillard’s injury came in his third game back after missing Milwaukee’s last 14 regular-season games due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers called the situation “tough” after Sunday’s game, noting that the team had to rally around Lillard, who is not just a great basketball player but a strong teammate and father.
Lillard’s injury occurred early in the first quarter while he was attempting to tip a pass toward his teammate, Gary Trent Jr. After the ball bounced, Lillard grabbed his left leg in pain and struggled to put weight on it. He was eventually helped off the court. His teammate, Pat Connaughton, expressed concern, describing Lillard as one of the toughest players he knows, and that his staying down on the court showed just how serious the injury was.
Lillard had been playing despite his recent health issues. He had been diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his calf and was taken off blood-thinning medication to resume full basketball activities after the regular season ended. He missed Game 1 of the Pacers series while working on his recovery, but returned in Game 2.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, praised Lillard’s mental toughness. “He’s one of the toughest, mentally toughest guys I’ve ever been around,” Antetokounmpo said, adding that Lillard’s dedication to returning to the court after his medical challenges was remarkable.
Lillard had an impressive season, ranking 10th in the NBA for scoring with 24.9 points per game and 10th in assists with 7.1. He made his 10th All-Star appearance and managed a swift return from his thrombosis to participate in the playoffs.
Before the playoffs, Lillard had described his recovery as unusual, with doctors noting his case as unique. However, now he faces a much more challenging recovery after the Achilles tear.
Antetokounmpo expressed confidence that Lillard would overcome this setback. “No matter what the obstacle is for him, he’s going to overcome and we’re going to help him overcome it.”
Lillard’s injury adds to the Bucks’ series of bad luck in the postseason since their 2021 championship win. Khris Middleton missed all of Milwaukee’s 2022 Eastern Conference semifinals against Boston due to a knee injury, and Antetokounmpo struggled with a back injury in 2023, affecting his team’s performance. In last year’s first-round loss to Indiana, Antetokounmpo was sidelined with a calf strain, and Lillard also missed two games due to an Achilles issue.
