Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks is confirmed to have a torn left Achilles tendon, effectively ending his postseason and raising concerns about his future for next season. The injury was announced following an MRI on Monday after Lillard had to be helped off the court during a game against the Indiana Pacers, which the Bucks lost 129-103, placing them down 3-1 in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
This injury follows Lillard’s recent return from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, which had sidelined him for the last 14 regular-season games. His coach, Doc Rivers, expressed the emotional weight of the situation, highlighting Lillard’s role as a teammate and father. The injury occurred mid-play when Lillard attempted to tip a ball and immediately grabbed his left leg before being unable to put weight on it.
Lillard’s teammates, including two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, praised his resilience, noting the struggle he faced while battling the recent health issues. Lillard had managed to rank 10th in the NBA for scoring and assists this season, marking his tenth All-Star selection.
This unfortunate development adds to the Bucks’ history of postseason injuries, which has affected their performance in recent years. Teammate Pat Connaughton recalled Lillard’s toughness, stating, “He’s one of the toughest guys I know.” Now, Lillard faces a challenging recovery as he navigates this new setback. Despite the hurdles, Antetokounmpo and the team remain supportive, believing in Lillard’s ability to overcome obstacles.
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