By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
This could be Damian Lillard’s worst NBA season in his 13-year career.
In an official statement released by the Milwaukee Bucks franchise, the superstar point guard was just ruled out for the rest of the NBA Playoffs after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon injury.
Not only is he out for the rest of the playoffs, but his playing hopes for the next season will now be in jeopardy, as torn Achilles injuries usually require a full year of recovery before returning to the hardwood.
“Damian Lillard underwent an MRI today that revealed a torn left Achilles tendon. Lillard will miss the remainder of the 2025 playoffs and undergo surgery to repair the injury,” posted the Bucks on their official social media pages.
Lillard tore his Achilles tendon during Game 4 of their Eastern Conference playoff duel against the Indiana Pacers. At the 6:12 mark of the opening quarter, he went down with a non-contact injury and had to be helped off heading to Milwaukee’s locker room.
Without his presence, the Bucks were dealt with a huge blow as they fumbled a chance to equalize the series at home and are now a loss away from another painful NBA Playoffs exit.
This has been a tough year after Lillard was diagnosed with a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf last March 26, 2025.
Lillard last played for the Bucks on March 19, 2025, and has missed the next three games against the Lakers, Sacramento, and Phoenix.
During that three-game period, Milwaukee still didn’t disclose the blood clot but only listed Lillard with a general ‘calf injury’ description.
Just when everyone thought that his season was over, the veteran guard revived the hopes of the Milwaukee franchise after making a comeback in Game 2 of their playoffs series against the Pacers.
However, the expectations of winning another golden trophy are now in deep danger with a 1-3 deficit and a banged-up Lillard.
“This is a tough one, honestly. Blood clot, followed by this. It’s just tough. That’s why you have teammates and family around him. He’s just such a great freaking dude, on a basketball level, but more importantly as a teammate and a father and all that stuff,” said Milwaukee head coach Doc Rivers.
Prayers up to you, Dame!
