Lillard diagnosed with torn Achilles
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard sustained a torn left Achilles tendon during the club's Game 4 loss to the Indiana Pacers, the team announced Monday.
Lillard underwent an MRI on Monday that confirmed the season-ending injury.
The injury occurred midway through the first quarter as he attempted to secure an offensive rebound. Lillard immediately grabbed his left leg after falling to the ground and remained on the floor until a stoppage in play. The nine-time All-Star needed to be assisted off the court as he couldn't put any weight on his left foot.
Lillard returned in Game 2 after missing nearly one month of action due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
The 34-year-old struggled in his brief return to the lineup, averaging just seven points on 22.2% shooting across three playoff appearances.
"A lot of people don't see what Dame had to deal with, but I've been around him every single day and it's hard," Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo told reporters postgame Sunday, according to Eric Nehm, Sam Amick, and Tobias Bass of The Athletic.
"It's hard being in his position, but he's one of the toughest, mentally toughest guys I've ever been around and that's why he is who he is, and I think he's going to overcome every obstacle that's going to be in front of him. Everybody's going to be there for him. No matter what the obstacle is for him, he's going to overcome and we're going to help him overcome."
Lillard tallied 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, 4.7 boards, and 1.2 steals over 58 appearances this season.
He's under contract through next season and has a $58.5-million player option for 2026-27.