The latest news on Damian Lillard’s Achilles injury

In Game 3 of the playoffs, the Bucks faced yet another setback, this time with star guard Damian Lillard at the forefront.

With superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined for the first three games due to a nagging calf injury, the burden of leading the team fell squarely on Lillard’s shoulders. And he answered the call admirably in the first two games, averaging an impressive 34.5 points to help even the series against the Pacers at 1-1. However, Friday’s matchup took a troubling turn for the Bucks when Lillard suffered an Achilles injury in the first quarter.

Although Lillard made a valiant return before halftime, his mobility appeared compromised as the game progressed, ultimately culminating in a disappointing overtime loss for Milwaukee, sealed by a Tyrese Haliburton game-winner.

Now, questions linger regarding the severity of Lillard’s injury and its potential impact on his availability moving forward. Here’s what we know about Damian Lillard’s injury:

**Nature of the Injury:** Initially thought to be an ankle tweak, Bucks coach Doc Rivers later clarified that Lillard is grappling with an Achilles issue. According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Lillard sustained a strained Achilles and is currently wearing a walking boot.

**Game Day Events:** The injury occurred when Lillard drove the lane for a layup, and Pacers forward Pascal Siakam inadvertently stepped on his foot during the landing. Despite initial discomfort, Lillard briefly retreated to the locker room before rejoining the game. However, his effectiveness was notably diminished, with Khris Middleton assuming the role of primary scorer for the Bucks down the stretch.

**Post-Game Assessment:** Rivers revealed that Lillard was “really struggling” with his lower leg, with Lillard himself admitting that he could only serve as a decoy during overtime. Despite his efforts, the Bucks fell short in a closely contested battle, with Lillard contributing 28 points in 45 minutes of play.

**Recovery Timeline:** Lillard has been ruled out for Game 4 due to a Grade 1 Achilles strain, adding to the Bucks’ injury woes. With Antetokounmpo’s return date uncertain and Middleton nursing an ankle injury, Milwaukee finds itself navigating a challenging postseason landscape, requiring three more victories to advance.

As the Bucks navigate the playoffs amidst a flurry of injuries, the absence of Lillard adds another layer of complexity to their postseason aspirations. With the team’s resilience and depth set to be tested, all eyes will be on how they adapt and respond to these adversity-laden circumstances in the quest for playoff success.