Damian Lillard Exits Game 4 with Lower Leg Injury, Bucks Trail Series 2-1
In a concerning turn of events, Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard was forced to exit Sunday night’s Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter due to a left lower leg injury. The severity of the injury is yet to be determined, with Lillard scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday.
According to sources, Lillard was injured while attempting to secure an offensive rebound midway through the first quarter. After tapping the ball away from a Pacers player, Lillard fell to the ground and grabbed his left leg, remaining down for the next defensive possession. He was helped to his feet during the next dead ball and needed assistance leaving the court while putting no weight on his left leg.
As reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Bucks are expected to know the severity of the injury after Lillard’s MRI on Monday. This latest setback comes as a significant blow to the Bucks, who are currently trailing 2-1 in the series against the Pacers. Lillard had been working to regain his form after missing the team’s final 14 regular-season games due to deep vein thrombosis in his right leg.
Lillard’s return in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Pacers was hailed as an "unprecedented" recovery, but he had yet to match his usual production levels. In the first two games of the series, Lillard averaged 10.5 points and 6.0 assists on 24% shooting (6 of 25). He missed his only two shots in Game 4 before exiting.
The Bucks will be anxiously awaiting the results of Lillard’s MRI to determine the extent of the damage. As noted by ESPN, Lillard’s injury could have significant implications for the Bucks’ playoff hopes. The team will need to regroup and find a way to overcome this latest setback if they are to mount a successful comeback in the series.
Lillard’s health has been a major concern for the Bucks this season. As reported by ESPN, he had been out for an extended period due to deep vein thrombosis in his right leg. His return to the court was a significant boost, but this latest injury will raise fresh concerns about his long-term fitness.
The Bucks’ coaching staff and medical team will be working tirelessly to assess the injury and develop a plan for Lillard’s recovery. As one of the team’s star players, Lillard’s absence would be deeply felt. The Bucks will need to dig deep and find a way to overcome this adversity if they are to have any chance of progressing in the playoffs. According to ESPN’s Jamal Collier, who first reported on Lillard’s exit, "Lillard’s injury could have significant implications for the Bucks’ playoff hopes."
The incident occurred during a crucial point in the game, with the Bucks looking to level the series. Lillard’s exit was a major blow, and the team will need to find a way to compensate for his loss if they are to have any chance of success. As noted by Collier, "Milwaukee trails 2-1 in the series against Indiana, and Lillard’s injury could make it even harder for them to mount a comeback."
The ESPN report also stated that Lillard had not matched his usual production during this series, averaging 10.5 points and 6.0 assists on 24% shooting (6 of 25) in the first two games.
As the Bucks look to bounce back from this setback, they will be hoping that Lillard’s injury is not as serious as feared. The team’s medical staff will be working closely with Lillard to ensure that he receives the best possible care and attention.
In related news, the Pacers will be looking to capitalise on the Bucks’ misfortune and take a commanding lead in the series. The two teams will face off again in the coming days, with the Bucks looking to level the series and stay alive in the playoffs.
This article has been sourced from ESPN.
