Doc Rivers has expressed serious concern over Damian Lillard’s recent injury, calling the situation “not very promising.” During a postgame interview, the Milwaukee Bucks head coach provided an update on Lillard’s condition, noting the potential severity of the injury to his lower leg.
Lillard suffered the injury midway through the first quarter of Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers, a game the Bucks would go on to lose 129-103. The initial injury reports suggested the possibility of an Achilles tendon issue, though the Bucks have yet to confirm the exact diagnosis. Rivers said, “They’re going to do an image tomorrow. Obviously, his lower leg, and just being honest, is not very promising.”
The coach mentioned feeling immediate sympathy for Lillard, emphasizing the player’s dedication to returning to the court for his team. “The guy tried to come back for his team, and I just felt bad for him,” Rivers added.
The injury came at a crucial time for Milwaukee, as the Bucks had already been dealing with injuries to key players in recent seasons. Rivers acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, especially after Lillard’s struggles to stay healthy this year. “Blood clot followed by this… It’s just tough,” Rivers said.
With Lillard sidelined, the Bucks faced immediate struggles on the floor. The Pacers capitalized on his absence, with Myles Turner leading the charge, scoring 23 points as the team shot a scorching 60.2% from the field. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s strong performance, scoring 28 points and grabbing 15 rebounds, the Bucks couldn’t mount a comeback.
Rivers noted that, as a coach, he faces the challenge of keeping his team focused on the next game while managing the emotional toll of Lillard’s injury. “My brain right now is right where the same place that the players are, and that’s thinking about Dame,” Rivers said. “It’s just a tough one.”
Looking ahead, the Bucks are left to regroup for Game 5 in Indiana. Rivers said the team will rely on their resilience to move forward, emphasizing the importance of focusing on “one game” at a time.
The Bucks’ playoff hopes now rest on Giannis Antetokounmpo, and with Lillard’s status uncertain, Milwaukee faces a critical moment in their postseason run.
