Damian Lillard’s injury that he sustained in Game 3 of the Milwaukee Bucks-Indiana Pacers playoff series could be an issue moving forward.
Apr 21, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts in the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
At least head coach Doc Rivers is not ruling out that possibility after sharing his conversation with Lillard about the injury during Friday’s contest.
Damian Lillard Suffers Injury Scare in Game 3 of Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers
For those who missed it, Lillard had to briefly exit the game with less than three minutes remaining in the first quarter after Pascal Siakam accidentally stepped on his left ankle. The Bucks star, who was attacking the basket when the incident happened, quickly grabbed his leg as he writhed in pain.
“I laid the ball in and when I landed, when (Pascal Siakam) tried to block me he landed on my foot and the way he landed on my foot it just twisted my knee. It just happened so fast as I was landing. My foot was gonna do one thing and when all his weight came down on my foot it kind of twisted me up. It was painful, initially, so I just stayed down,” Lillard said of his first-quarter injury, per Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Lillard was eventually taken off the court, though he returned minutes later and finished the game after playing 45 minutes. However, his return wasn’t without any issue, as he appeared to aggravate his Achilles injury late in the fourth quarter.
Dame Time was spotted wincing with less than 10 seconds left in the fourth as he went to help Patrick Beverley.
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Lillard was clearly affected by the late injury, as he struggled in overtime. Despite Khris Middleton’s heroics, the Bucks fell short after a Tyrese Haliburton game-winner for the Pacers. But Dame’s performance was noticeable as he failed to score in OT and didn’t even take a shot.
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Explains What Happened To Damian Lillard
Apr 2, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Doc Rivers reacts on the sideline during the second quarter against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-USA TODAY Sports
Speaking to reporters postgame, Doc Rivers specifically talked about Damian Lillard’s injury in the fourth quarter and admitted that it does seem to be an Achilles issue again.
Rivers then shared that Lillard was in pain but simply didn’t want to leave the floor in order to help in any way that he can.
“I think it’s his Achilles again, so we’ll see. Honestly, Dame was really struggling. In the overtime, he literally said, ‘I’ll be the decoy. I just can’t go as far as explosion,’” Rivers shared, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “So I thought Dame just being out there was huge for us.”
The fact that Lillard basically played through an injury is certainly not a good thing to hear for Milwaukee Bucks fans. With Giannis Antetokounmpo still injured and his return uncertain, the last thing the Cream City faithful wants to see is for their other superstar to risk his availability moving forward.
It remains to be seen what Lillard’s status will be in Game 4, but hopes are high that his injury isn’t serious.
Apr 26, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots the ball while Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) defends during game three of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
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