Milwaukee, Wis. — The Milwaukee Bucks faced a major setback during Game 4 of their playoff series against the Indiana Pacers when star guard Damian Lillard sustained a left leg injury in the first quarter. The team quickly announced his exclusion from the game shortly after the incident occurred.
Lillard’s injury happened as he battled for an offensive rebound midway through the first quarter. After successfully knocking the ball away from a Pacers player, he fell to the court, immediately clutching his left leg. He remained on the ground throughout the next defensive possession, raising concerns among teammates and fans alike.
As play paused for a dead ball moment, Lillard managed to hobble to the sideline, although he required assistance and could not put weight on his injured leg. Medical staff promptly escorted him to the locker room for further evaluation.
This injury comes on the heels of Lillard’s recent return to the court after missing 14 consecutive games due to deep vein thrombosis in his right leg. The team had described his recovery as unprecedented, with hopes that he would regain his form in time for the playoffs. However, his performance in the series thus far has not matched expectations—averaging just 10.5 points and 6.0 assists on 24% shooting over the first two games.
In Game 4, Lillard attempted only two shots before exiting, failing to find his rhythm during this crucial match. The Bucks entered the game trailing 2-1 in the series, heightening the stakes for the remainder of not just the game, but the series as a whole.
With Lillard sidelined, the Bucks must rely on their supporting cast to step up in his absence. Milwaukee’s playoff aspirations now hang in the balance as they navigate the challenge of advancing without one of their key players. The outcome of the series against Indiana could hinge on how well the team can adapt to this unforeseen challenge and harness the depth of their roster in the coming games.