The Milwaukee Bucks’ fears had been realized Monday when an MRI revealed that star guard Damian Lillard suffered what ESPN report is a torn left achilles tendon. If the prognosis is confirmed, Lillard could be more likely to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Lillard was injured within the first quarter of Sunday’s 129-103 playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. The non-contact damage occurred when the nine-time All-Star was attempting to safe an offensive rebound, falling to the ground shortly earlier than the halfway level of the primary quarter. He instantly grabbed his left leg, and was unable to rise up. He was finally helped off the courtroom whereas maintaining his left foot from touching the ground. Lillard wore a boot and used crutches when he was seen leaving the sector.
The 34-year-old had simply returned to motion after lacking time due to a blood clot in his proper leg. He missed the ultimate 14 video games of the common season and the primary contest of this playoff collection towards the Pacers as a result of clot.
“It is a powerful one,” Bucks coach Rivers mentioned on Sunday evening. “Blood clot adopted by this. It’s simply powerful. … He’s such an amazing freaking dude. Nobody deserves this. That’s why I really feel unhealthy. I’ve seen accidents which are deflating. This one damage.”
Lillard averaged 24.9 factors, 7.1 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 58 regular-season video games this season, his second in Milwaukee.
He joined the Bucks in a commerce in September 2023 after leaving the Portland Path Blazers, who he had been with since they chose him with the sixth total decide within the 2012 draft. The Bucks, who gained the NBA title in 2021, had been anticipated to problem for an additional championship with Lillard enjoying alongside two-time league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Nevertheless, they misplaced to the Indiana Pacers within the first spherical of final season’s playoffs, and are 3-1 down of their present collection and may very well be eradicated from the postseason in Tuesday’s Recreation 5.
Lillard is underneath contract with the Bucks by way of the 2025-26 season and has a participant choice for 2026-27. He’s owed $113m in wage throughout that span.
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