Milwaukee Bucks star guard Damian Lillard has been ruled out for the rest of the 2025 NBA playoffs after an MRI confirmed he suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during Game 4 of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
The non-contact injury occurred early in the first quarter while Lillard was chasing down an offensive rebound. He collapsed and clutched his lower leg before being helped off the court without putting weight on his left foot. Lillard left the arena in a walking boot and on crutches.
This setback comes shortly after his return from a right leg blood clot that caused him to miss the final 14 games of the regular season and the series opener. Bucks coach Doc Rivers called the injury “deflating,” expressing sympathy for Lillard, who he described as a “great freaking dude.”
Lillard, 34, struggled in the series, averaging just 10.5 points while shooting 24% from the field in two appearances. The Bucks now face elimination in Game 5 on Tuesday, trailing the Pacers 3-1.
A nine-time All-Star, Lillard averaged 24.9 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 58 games this season. He remains under contract through the 2025–26 season, with a player option for 2026–27.