Damian Lillard’s injury was surprising to most fans. During the first-round series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, Lillard sustained a season-ending torn Achilles tendon injury. In Game 4, the All-Star guard went down in the first quarter, left the game and never returned.
It was a heartbreaking sequence for the Bucks to see Lillard hobble up. He had just returned to action after missing a few weeks due to a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.
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Game 2 of the Bucks’ series against the Pacers was his return game. However, it was obvious that he wasn’t 100% as he struggled to contribute.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard looks on in the first quarter during game four against the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Forum. Lillard left the game early in the first quarter with an injury.Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
After Lillard sustained the tragic injury, former Bucks star Michael Redd gave him a shoutout on X. Redd’s post about the nine-time All-Star was almost 150 words, crediting what he’s done for the organization.
“Been thinking about this all day. Dame Lillard deserves his flowers right now,” Redd posted on X.
“Despite only two seasons in Milwaukee, he’s already one of the greatest to wear that jersey…Â No matter what happens next, Dame has earned our respect, support and appreciation.”
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At the end of his post, the former All-Star wished Lillard a speedy recovery.
Following that, the Bucks confirmed the 2013 Rookie of the Year underwent a successful surgery to repair his torn Achilles.
Usually, an injury with that severity could last almost a year in recovery. Only a few players have returned to their usual selves after experiencing a torn Achilles.
Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant is the latest player to recover fully and stay at an elite level. Durant tore his Achilles in the 2019 NBA Finals and missed the 2019-20 season to recover.
Related: What Happened to Damian Lillard?