In Indianapolis, the Milwaukee Bucks are in shock as their head coach processes the injury news concerning their star player, Damian Lillard. Renowned for his grit and resolve, the ten-time NBA All-Star has been ruled out of this year’s first-round playoff series against Indiana after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon.
The unfortunate injury occurred in Game 4 on Sunday as Lillard was making a play near the top of the key. Despite early signs showing promise, with Lillard recently returning from a right calf issue, his return was cut short when he went down clutching his leg. His absence poses a serious challenge for Milwaukee, leaving the Bucks facing a daunting 3-1 deficit against Indiana.
This absence is undeniably significant for the Bucks. Lillard, a seven-time All-NBA selection, played relentlessly to get back to form over the past month. He had valiantly pushed through a diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, an ailment that typically demands a much longer recovery time than he allowed.
Coach Rivers reflects on Lillard’s determination to return swiftly and stronger. “He’s already plotting his comeback, talking about being better and ready,” Rivers explains, illustrating Lillard’s extraordinary resolve.
The absence of Lillard was palpable during the games against the Pacers, where he averaged significantly lower stats compared to his usual explosive performance. Despite the setback, his prowess remains unmatched, ranking 10th in both scoring and assists for the current season.
In light of Lillard’s injury, Rivers plans to revise his lineup, introducing players like A.J. Green and Kevin Porter Jr. Additionally, Bobby Portis Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. will assume more significant roles. This strategic change aims to counteract the recent string of unfortunate postseason circumstances that have plagued the Bucks since their 2021 championship triumph.
The Bucks have encountered several postseason misfortunes, including key player injuries, which affect their ability to advance beyond the early rounds. With the series poised to continue, the team hopes to surmount these obstacles and advance further despite the challenges ahead.