Update: All of Milwaukee can breathe a huge sigh of relief as Lillard checks back into the game to start the second quarter. The Bucks are in a 17-point hole to begin the frame but have their star guard back on the floor. Hopefully, he doesn’t aggravate whatever injury he did have in that first quarter.
Milwaukee Bucks star point guard Damian Lillard, who dazzled in Game 1 of this playoff serie against the Indiana Pacers, suffered a leg injury in Game 3 Friday while driving to the basket. Lillard took a nasty fall and was grabbing his leg in pain. He had to be helped off the floor by trainers, although he did not need to go to the locker room immediately. Eventually, the Bucks took their guard back for further evaluation.
Damian Lillard has limped off the floor.#FearTheDeer #NBA pic.twitter.com/GAWazT6D2D
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) April 26, 2024
AJ Green checked in for Lillard, and the Bucks also do have Patrick Beverley to fill in these minutes at the point guard spot. However, this is obviously a massive development given the calf injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak hasn’t played in the playoffs yet, and missed the final three games of the regular season as well. There’s hope he can return for the end of this series but the end is looking a lot closer if Lillard is also out with an injury. Khris Middleton, Milwaukee’s third star, is playing through an ankle injury.
The Bucks paired Lillard and Antetokounmpo in the offseason in an attempt to create a new championship window. They even made a coaching change in the middle of the season when it seemed like things might be going awry despite a strong record. These injuries appear to have robbed them of truly finding out how great this duo can be, which is a shame. Hopefully, Lillard has avoided a serious injury and can return to this game.