Bucks Star Damian Lillard Provides Alarming Injury Update Following Game 3 Loss!
Milwaukee Bucks’ standout point guard Damian Lillard has announced his intention to suit up for Game 4 despite sustaining a knee injury and aggravating his Achilles tendon. However, the uncertainty lies in whether his body will be cooperative, casting a shadow over the Bucks’ efforts to avoid falling into a 3-1 deficit.
Addressing reporters after the Bucks’ heart-wrenching 121-118 overtime defeat in Game 3 on April 26, Lillard expressed the fresh pain of his injury: “I think tonight, it was just so fresh, just re-aggravated after having a whole week where you could kind of get it together,” he said. “But I just wanted to be on the floor in case some opportunity came up or however I could help. But obviously tonight, we’re gonna get back and just have to get ahead of it because that’s not something you want to play with.”
Damian Lillard has limped off the floor.#FearTheDeer #NBA pic.twitter.com/GAWazT6D2D
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) April 26, 2024
The incident occurred late in the first quarter when Lillard twisted his knee following a collision with Pacers forward Pascal Siakam. Despite the discomfort, Lillard returned to the court and managed to contribute 14 points in the subsequent quarters, albeit on a challenging 6-of-20 shooting performance, ultimately tallying 28 points for the game.
However, fate dealt another blow as Lillard tweaked his Achilles late in the fourth quarter, further complicating matters. Despite his limitations, Lillard remained on the court, acting as a decoy for his teammates.
“In the overtime, he literally said, ‘I’ll be the decoy. I just can’t go as far as explosion,’” revealed Bucks coach Doc Rivers. “So I thought Dame just being out there was huge for us.”
This strategic move briefly paid dividends, with Khris Middleton capitalizing on Lillard’s presence to sink a game-tying three-pointer and force overtime. Yet, the Pacers ultimately clinched the victory, dealing a double blow to Lillard and the Bucks.
Now faced with a pivotal decision, the Bucks must weigh the risks of further injury as they head into a must-win Game 4, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo still sidelined with a calf strain.
After the game, Damian Lillard clarified that his Achilles aggravation occurred on this play at the end of regulation and not on the foul by Pascal Siakam in the first quarter.
(You can see Lillard wince as he goes to pick up Patrick Beverley.) pic.twitter.com/M4nnU43Nqa
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) April 27, 2024
With Middleton’s heroic performance in Game 3 despite his ankle injury, the Bucks may once again rely heavily on his contributions. However, the uncertainty surrounding Lillard’s availability adds another layer of complexity to their playoff campaign.
“We are just taking a lot of hits right now as far as injury-wise,” acknowledged Rivers.
Despite the pressure to secure a crucial win, Rivers emphasized the importance of prioritizing player safety over rushing any potential returns. As the Bucks navigate this challenging situation, their resilience will undoubtedly be put to the test on the court.
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