The Milwaukee Bucks’ worst nightmare came true on Monday when an MRI confirmed that superstar guard Damian Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon.
The team shared the grim news on social media, announcing that Lillard will miss the rest of the 2025 playoffs and will undergo surgery to repair the injury.
The devastating blow happened early in Game 4 of Milwaukee’s first-round series against the Indiana Pacers — a game the Bucks lost 129-103. In a heartbreaking moment during the first quarter, Lillard collapsed without contact while chasing down an offensive rebound. As he tapped the ball forward, he crumpled to the floor, clutching his lower left leg in obvious pain. Brook Lopez quickly committed a foul to halt the action with 5:57 left in the quarter, and trainers rushed to Lillard’s side. He was eventually helped off the court, careful not to put any weight on his injured leg, and later seen leaving the arena wearing a boot and using crutches.
The injury comes just after Lillard, 34, had made his return from a blood clot in his right leg — an issue that sidelined him for the final 14 games of the regular season and Game 1 of the playoffs.
“This one really hurts,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said after Sunday’s game. “Blood clot, now this… It’s brutal. Damian’s just a phenomenal guy. No one deserves this kind of bad luck.”
Before the injury, Lillard had struggled to find his rhythm, averaging just 10.5 points and shooting 24 percent (6-for-25) over his two playoff appearances. The Bucks now trail 3-1 in the best-of-seven series and face a do-or-die Game 5 on Tuesday in Indianapolis.
A nine-time All-Star, Lillard was a major force for Milwaukee this season, averaging 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 58 games — his second year with the Bucks.
Lillard remains under contract through the 2025-26 season and holds a player option for 2026-27.
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