SUMMARY
- Damian Lillard aggravated an existing Achilles injury during Game 3 vs Pacers.
- Sources claim that Lillard is using a walking boot and could miss Game 4.
The Milwaukee Bucks already took a massive punch to the gut coming into the first round of the playoffs. And now, to add insult to injury, Damian Lillard is in danger of possibly being sidelined. Milwaukee is currently facing a 2-1 deficit against the Indiana Pacers. Game 3 of the series was a close call, but Indiana simply managed to get enough boards to convert into shots.
After the game, Damian Lillard clarified that his Achilles aggravation occurred on this play at the end of regulation and not on the foul by Pascal Siakam in the first quarter.
(You can see Lillard wince as he goes to pick up Patrick Beverley.) pic.twitter.com/M4nnU43Nqa
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 27, 2024
It was Khris Middleton who stepped while Damian Lillard staggered in pain unable to play with full force. Middleton finished with 42 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists while Lillard had 28 points. Lillard took a significant amount of damage as well while being fouled. He had 12 free throw attempts throughout the game. The Bucks eventually revealed that he played through soreness of the Achilles tendon which was aggravated in Game 3.
The Bucks could lose Damian Lillard for Game 4
Issues have only kept increasing over time for the Bucks. NBA reporter, Shams Charania revealed that Damian Lillard suffered a strained Achilles earlier which intensified during Game 3. He also mentioned that Lillard’s been using a walking boot to avoid exertion. The Bucks are likely to lose Lillard for Game 4 as his availability remains doubtful.
Lillard has played through significant soreness in his Achilles tendon in recent weeks, and reaggravated the injury late in fourth quarter of Game 3 loss Friday night. Bucks now facing likelihood of playing without Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. https://t.co/kbwJjlXz84
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 27, 2024
The Bucks were already injury-stricken ahead of the playoffs when Giannis Antetokounmpo had a calf strain. Giannis’ condition hasn’t improved either and the Bucks are worried that he may not return for the playoffs anytime soon. Losing Giannis has taken a toll on the team’s defense and rebounding. However, losing Giannis and Lillard will bring down the Bucks’ scoring numbers.
Doc Rivers revealed an upsetting exchange he had with Damian Lillard mid-game
After the game, Doc Rivers seemed fairly disappointed in the outcome of Game 3 that was pushed to over time. The Pacers killed the Bucks in rebounding while forcing a few more turnovers for the Bucks. However, Rivers also revealed a saddening exchange he had with Damian Lillard during the game.
Doc Rivers, on Damian Lillard: “I think it’s his Achilles again, so we’ll see.”
Rivers: “Honestly, Dame was really struggling. In the overtime, he literally said, ‘I’ll be the decoy. I just can’t go as far as explosion.’ So I thought Dame just being out there was huge for us.”
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 27, 2024
Rivers said, “Honestly, Dame was really struggling. In the overtime, he literally said, ‘I’ll be the decoy. I just can’t go as far as explosion.’ So I thought Dame just being out there was huge for us.” Without Lillard, the Bucks may never get past the Pacers in the series. Losing this series would result in a second first-round exit for the Bucks.