(Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
After losing Game 2 at home, the Milwaukee Bucks appeared to be on their way to stealing Game 3 on the road against the Indiana Pacers.
The Bucks battled back from a first-half deficit to force overtime, but ultimately came short after Tyrese Haliburton was able to convert on a tough and-one layup in the painted area.
Khris Middleton had his best postseason game hitting multiple clutch shots, but his final 3-pointer from the left corner didn’t go.
Damian Lillard had a rough shooting night going 6-of-20 from the field for 28 points, but the star guard appeared to hurt his lower leg in the fourth quarter and couldn’t move fluidly the rest of the way.
It was later reported that Lillard suffered a strained Achilles which prompted reactions from fans, via Shams Charania of The Athletic.
“Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has suffered a strained Achilles, is in a walking boot and there is serious doubt over his availability for Game 4 vs. Pacers on Sunday,” Charania reported.
Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard has suffered a strained Achilles, is in a walking boot and there is serious doubt over his availability for Game 4 vs. Pacers on Sunday, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. pic.twitter.com/jQUJpovsSM
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 27, 2024
Milwaukee can’t catch a break
— Smiley (@30GotNext) April 27, 2024
The bucks are so unlucky
— ✯ (@JrueUTD) April 27, 2024
Praying for a speedy recovery, dames a beast for playing through it.
— Nets Fan (@OfficialNetsFan) April 27, 2024
nahhh this is so unlucky, he was playing great and it sounded like Giannis was coming back soon too
— Djboss (@DjbossNA) April 27, 2024
The Bucks have been without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been rehabbing from a calf injury, so losing Lillard now all but spells the end for their title hopes.
Milwaukee has been dealt untimely injuries to their stars two playoffs in a row and it will likely result in back-to-back first-round exits.
Although Lillard hasn’t been ruled out for Game 4, it’s hard to imagine he’ll be able to suit up given the nature of his injury and how he looked in Game 3.
The franchise must protect Lillard’s health, so sitting him the next game makes the most sense despite the consequences.
The post Fans React To Latest Damian Lillard Injury Update appeared first on The Cold Wire.