The Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff hopes were dealt a crushing blow Sunday night as Damian Lillard suffered a feared Achilles tendon injury early in a devastating 129-103 loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 4 of the NBA Playoffs 2025.

Lillard, who recently returned from a blood clot scare in his right calf, went down just minutes into the game after stumbling while chasing a rebound. He immediately clutched his left ankle in pain and had to be helped off the court without putting any weight on his left leg.

According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, there is growing fear that Lillard may have torn his left Achilles — an injury that would not only end his season but likely sideline him into the start of next year. An MRI is scheduled for Monday to confirm the severity.

Lillard’s Brutal 2025 Injury Timeline

The injury is a tough setback for the 34-year-old All-Star:

• March 2025: Diagnosed with deep-vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf.

• April 2025: Cleared to return early for the playoffs, playing in Games 2 and 3 against Indiana.

• April 27, 2025: Injured left leg in Game 4, just three games into his comeback.

“It’s just heartbreaking,” said Bucks coach Doc Rivers after the game. “You feel terrible for him. He worked so hard to get back. He’s just a great person on and off the court.”

Pacers Dominate Shorthanded Bucks

Without Lillard, the Bucks struggled badly. Giannis Antetokounmpo was the lone bright spot, posting 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 6 assists, but the Pacers overwhelmed Milwaukee with a balanced attack:

• Tyrese Haliburton: 17 points, 15 assists, 8 rebounds

• Myles Turner: 23 points

• Andrew Nembhard: 20 points

All five Indiana starters scored in double digits, and the Pacers shot over 60% from the field, cruising to a 26-point blowout.

Meanwhile, only Giannis and Kevin Porter Jr. (23 points off the bench) cracked double figures for Milwaukee’s offense.

Bucks Face Elimination Without Lillard

The Bucks, trailing 3-1 in the series, now face elimination heading into Game 5 on Tuesday night in Indianapolis (6 p.m. ET).
If Lillard’s Achilles tear is confirmed, it would mark a devastating end to a season full of injury struggles for Milwaukee.