Damian Lillard Vows Return After Achilles Injury

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Damian Lillard Vows Return After Achilles Injury \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 against Indiana, ending his playoff run. Despite this devastating injury, Lillard told coach Doc Rivers he’s determined to return stronger. His absence adds to the Bucks’ streak of untimely postseason injuries since their 2021 title win.

Quick Looks

Damian Lillard suffers torn Achilles in Game 4 vs. Pacers.
Lillard vows to return, telling Rivers, “I’m not going out this way.”
Injury occurred during a non-contact play, early in the first quarter.
Bucks trail Indiana 3-1 in the first-round playoff series.
Lillard recently returned from deep vein thrombosis, now out again.
Coach Doc Rivers shuffles starting lineup with Lillard and Giannis out.
Bucks plagued by postseason injuries since 2021 NBA title run.

Deep Look

The Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason hopes took another crushing blow this week as Damian Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The injury, which occurred during a non-contact play in the first quarter, has ended Lillard’s playoff campaign and could sideline him well into next season.

For head coach Doc Rivers, the moment was heartbreaking — but not unfamiliar. Still, what stood out most wasn’t the injury itself, but Lillard’s immediate response.

“He said two things, which I love,” Rivers told reporters. “The first one, he just said ‘I can’t believe I’m here.’ Then the second one is ‘I’m not going out this way.’ I can guarantee you he won’t, and that’s what I meant about his resolve.”

That resolve has been Lillard’s trademark since arriving in Milwaukee. The 34-year-old, 10-time NBA All-Star had just returned from a potentially life-threatening case of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in his right calf. That condition often requires months of recovery, but Lillard returned to the court in under five weeks — only to suffer another devastating setback in his third game back.

A Devastating Moment

Lillard’s injury occurred near the top of the key, behind the three-point arc. As the ball bounced his way, he tipped it toward teammate Gary Trent Jr. with his left hand, then collapsed in visible pain, grabbing the lower part of his left leg. Play continued as Lillard sat on the court, and he ultimately needed help getting to the locker room. He did not return.

The Bucks went on to lose Game 4 in a blowout, 129-103, putting them in a 3-1 series deficit. With Lillard sidelined and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo already out with a calf injury, the team now faces a difficult uphill battle in the postseason.

Rivers later confirmed Lillard’s Achilles tear, and although surgery hasn’t yet been scheduled, the recovery timeline typically ranges from 9 to 12 months — a timeline that could threaten Lillard’s availability well into the 2024–2025 season.

Already Planning His Return

Despite the serious nature of the injury, Lillard’s mindset hasn’t shifted. According to Rivers, the veteran guard is already focused on recovery and redemption.

“It’s amazing,” Rivers said. “He’s already talking about his return and being better and being ready. We had a long talk about that today as well.”

Lillard’s character and professionalism have been widely praised throughout his career, and this moment is no different. Teammates and even rivals on the Pacers — including players who’d traded barbs with Lillard earlier in the series — offered public support and wished him well after Game 4.

Subdued Performance, Unfortunate Timing

Lillard’s production during the playoffs had already raised concerns. He averaged just 7.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.7 rebounds in the three games he played against Indiana — a steep drop-off from his career playoff average of 25.7 points per game, and a far cry from the 31.3 points he averaged in last year’s series loss to Indiana.

During the 2023–24 regular season, Lillard ranked 10th in the league in both points (24.9) and assists (7.1). His diminished output in this year’s playoffs may have been tied to lingering effects from DVT, which he had been trying to manage while ramping back into game shape.

Now, Lillard faces the challenge of recovering from a severe Achilles injury — one of the most difficult for elite athletes, especially guards who rely on agility and explosive movements.

Another Chapter in Milwaukee’s Postseason Woes

Lillard’s injury is the latest in a string of postseason setbacks that have haunted the Bucks since their 2021 championship.

In 2022, Khris Middleton missed the entire Eastern Conference semifinal against Boston with a knee injury.
In 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a back bruise in Game 1 of the opening round against Miami and missed the next two games. The Bucks lost the series.
In 2024, Giannis missed the entire series against Indiana due to a calf strain.

Add Lillard’s Achilles injury to that list, and it’s clear the Bucks have had no shortage of postseason misfortune. The team’s once-promising window, built around Giannis and Lillard, is now facing tough questions.

Rivers Makes Adjustments

Facing elimination, Doc Rivers reshuffled the starting lineup ahead of Game 5. Guards A.J. Green and Kevin Porter Jr. joined Bobby Portis Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. as the team tried to fill the void left by Lillard and Giannis. It’s a patchwork lineup, but one Rivers hopes can spark enough firepower to keep the series alive.

Whether or not Milwaukee can extend the series remains to be seen, but the loss of Lillard and Antetokounmpo — two cornerstones of the franchise’s championship hopes — is difficult to overcome.

What’s Next for Lillard?

While the Bucks are focused on surviving the series, Lillard now begins a longer, more personal journey: rehab and recovery. Achilles injuries are known for their grueling rehabilitation process, particularly for guards who depend on quick bursts and sudden changes in direction.

Still, with Lillard’s determination and track record of resilience, few are betting against him.

“I’m not going out this way,” Lillard said, according to Rivers — and those words may end up fueling the next chapter in the career of one of the NBA’s most respected stars.