Coach Rivers on how the Bucks-Pacers rivalry distracts from the game
Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers on how the Bucks-Pacers rivalry just distracts from the game
The Milwaukee Bucks have to be wondering what the NBA playoff gods have against them.
Playing in just is third game third since since returning from a blood clot in his right calf, Milwaukee guard Damian Lillard left Game 4 of the first round series with the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter Sunday night with a non-contact injury to his lower left leg.
It’s the latest in a series of postseason injuries that have plagued the Bucks over recent years.
Prior to his return to action in Game 2, Lillard had not played since March 18.
While nothing has been officially announced as of halftime of Game 4, Lillard could not put any weight on his leg as he went to the locker room and the injury appeared to be serious.
Bucks fans were obviously hoping for the best for Lillard, but also making note of the fact they’d rather be posting something other than a bunch of prayer emojis during the playoffs.
It’s a familiar refrain of hoping for the best but expecting the worst when the Bucks play in April and May.
Here’s some reaction immediately after Lillard’s injury:
#DamianLillard @Bucks
Worry for left Achilles tendon rupture
Video misses the key moment but still clear
Not directly related to blod clot
But indierctly due to decontioning
Would mean surgery and miss a good part of next season pic.twitter.com/k1va0Pm3N7
— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) April 28, 2025
Im 1000% sure Damian Lillard just ruptured his Achilles. Same way i ruptured mine 🥺
— Zo Rojei’ (@young_cartel92) April 28, 2025
No one is going to feel sorry for the Bucks, but their playoff injury history is ridiculous.
— Scott Grodsky (@ScottGrodsky) April 28, 2025
Damian Lillard fought his way back from the blood clots to be there for his team, and this is how his season ends. Damn, man. Praying for a speedy recovery. 🙏🏾
— GOWIE (@DaKidGowie) April 28, 2025