The Milwaukee Bucks’ season officially ended with their Game 5 loss to the Indiana Pacers, 119-118. Without Damian Lillard, the team struggled to find any rhythm. Giannis Antetokounmpo fought hard, but the Pacers’ offense stayed a step ahead all night. Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton led Indiana with sharp passing and deadly accuracy. Milwaukee just couldn’t keep up, falling behind early and never recovering. Ultimately, the team found itself meeting the season end with a 4-1 score. Was this collapse simply bad luck, or did Lillard’s absence change the entire story?
The real blow came in Game 4, when Lillard went down clutching his leg in the first quarter. What looked like a simple misstep turned out to be a devastating event. A torn Achilles tendon ended his postseason and might take away part of next year, too. Only weeks earlier, he’d returned from a blood clot in his right calf. That comeback seemed promising at the time. But now, the Bucks face a harsh question: can their future survive this?
Dwight Howard reacted on Above the Rim with DH 12, and the conversation quickly turned reflective. “It’s crazy that Dame hurt his Achilles last year on the exact same date that he tore it this year,” Howard said. Sniper J0nes added, “I think he got to the second round… I don’t think he ever got to the Western Conference Final.”
They both seemed unsure, almost sad. “Man, I would say he need to go ahead and—um,” Howard paused, then stopped. While it’s unsure what he meant to suggest further, but he didn’t continue to finish his sentence, rather he added, “um, no, I know he want to keep playing, but damn, that’s—.” It felt like a moment caught between respect and truth.
Mar 18, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) walks back up court during the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images
After Lillard left, Milwaukee’s energy crashed. Without their guard, the offense lost its structure and spark. Doc Rivers later said, “This is a tough one, honestly. Blood clot, followed by [Achilles]. … He’s just a great freakin’ dude, as a teammate and a father. No one deserves it.” NBA insider Chris Haynes confirmed the Achilles tear, and reactions poured in. One of the most heartfelt came from Trae Young, who tweeted, “ Pray for Dame man !!!”
In Game 5, Milwaukee played hard, but without hope.
Damian Lillard is optimistic about recovery as teammates rally behind him
Even after suffering a devastating Achilles tear in Game 4 against the Pacers, Damian Lillard remains focused on making a comeback. According to The Athletic’s Eric Nehm and Sam Amick, Lillard is “optimistic” about making a “speedy recovery” following his injury. The Bucks confirmed he will undergo surgery, but NBA insider Chris Haynes noted that Lillard is “motivated” to tackle rehab head-on and return to his elite form.
While history shows Achilles injuries often sideline players for an entire season, Lillard’s mindset suggests he’s preparing to defy expectations. His injury was a gut punch to the Bucks and left the locker room stunned. Head coach, Doc Rivers, was visibly emotional, saying, “Blood clot, followed by this, it’s just tough … He’s just such a great freaking dude.” The quote captures Rivers’ deep respect for Lillard.
Rivers also added, “I knew it right away. I felt bad for him, you know, the guy tried to come back for his team.” Giannis Antetokounmpo shared the same sentiment: “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.” For Giannis, Lillard’s toughness isn’t just physical, it’s his unshakable mindset and leadership that define him. As Lillard begins his uphill battle, his teammates and coaches have made it clear: they’ll be behind him every step of the way.
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