In a devastating turn of events for the Milwaukee Bucks, star guard Damian Lillard suffered a suspected torn Achilles tendon during the first quarter of Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers, casting a shadow over the team's playoff aspirations.​

The injury occurred as Lillard attempted to secure an offensive rebound, collapsing to the court without contact and immediately clutching his left leg. He was unable to put weight on the leg and was assisted off the court, later seen in a walking boot and using crutches. Preliminary assessments suggest a possible Achilles tear, though an official diagnosis awaits further medical evaluation.

This setback is particularly disheartening as Lillard had recently returned from a month-long absence due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, a condition that sidelined him for the final 14 games of the regular season. His return in Game 2 was seen as a significant boost for the Bucks, but this latest injury raises concerns about his future availability.

The Bucks struggled in Lillard's absence, ultimately falling to the Pacers 129-103, and now trail the series 3-1. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 28 points, but the team was unable to compensate for the loss of their All-Star guard. The Pacers capitalized on the situation, with Myles Turner contributing 23 points to secure the win.

Head coach Doc Rivers expressed concern over Lillard's condition, stating that the outlook is "not very promising" and that further imaging is scheduled to determine the extent of the injury.

As the Bucks face potential elimination in Game 5, the focus shifts to Lillard's health and the impact his absence may have on the team's postseason performance. The organization and fans alike await updates on his condition, hoping for a swift and full recovery for the veteran guard.