Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon, ending his postseason and putting his status for next season in doubt.
The Bucks announced the injury Monday after Lillard underwent an MRI. Shams Charania confirmed on X.
The seven-time All-NBA guard went down midway through the first quarter of Sunday’s 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4. Milwaukee trails the first-round series 3-1 heading into Game 5 on Tuesday.
Just in: Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has been diagnosed with a torn left Achilles tendon, sources tell ESPN. MRI today revealed the severity. A devastating end to his season. pic.twitter.com/ysZ0nw8gxW
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 28, 2025
Lillard, 34, was injured while trying to tip a loose ball to a teammate. After going to the floor, he was unable to put weight on his left leg and was helped to the locker room.
"This is a tough one, honestly. Blood clot, followed by \[Achilles]. ... He's just a great freakin' dude, as a teammate and a father. No one deserves it." ❤️
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 28, 2025
Doc Rivers speaks on Damian Lillard pic.twitter.com/zt1XKVcmTv
“This is a tough one, honestly,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “Blood clot, followed by this. It’s just tough. That’s why you have teammates and family around him. He’s such a great freaking dude.”
Lillard had recently returned after missing Milwaukee’s final 14 regular-season games with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Despite the seriousness of that condition, he made a rapid comeback to join the Bucks in the playoffs.
Teammates praised Lillard’s toughness and perseverance. “He’s one of the mentally toughest guys I’ve ever been around,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo. “He’s going to overcome every obstacle put in front of him, and we’ll be there to help him.”
"I don't believe in bad luck. I'm too blessed to believe in bad luck. I think everything happens for a reason. I wish \[Damian Lillard] the best. We love him."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 28, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo on how he deals with bad injury luck mentally in the playoffs 🗣️pic.twitter.com/7ukqWyx5Ir
Lillard ranked 10th in the NBA in scoring (24.9 points per game) and assists (7.1) this season, earning his 10th All-Star selection. His injury adds to a troubling trend for the Bucks, who have dealt with major playoff injuries in each of the last three postseasons and are on the brink of elimination against the Pacers.
