Milwaukee's coach Doc Rivers believes Damian Lillard won't end his career following his torn Achilles tendon.
In a disappointing turn of events for the Portland Trail Blazers, star player Damian Lillard sustained a torn Achilles tendon during a playoff game against the Indiana Pacers. The injury, which occurred midway through the first quarter of Game 4 in April 2025, has put Lillard's return to the court on hold for the 2025-26 season.
Lillard, who ranked 10th in the NBA in scoring (24.9) and 10th in assists (7.1) this season, underwent surgery with renowned orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache on May 2, 2025. The typical recovery time for an NBA player with a torn Achilles ranges from 10 to 18 months, but reports suggest that Lillard could potentially return within 8 to 10 months, although this is more optimistic than the usual timeline.
The injury is a significant blow, especially after Lillard's quick return from a deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Lillard was seated on the court and needed help to get up and leave, adding to the concern surrounding his injury.
Lillard's latest absence is another instance of bad postseason luck for the Trail Blazers since their 2021 title. In a similar vein, Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo missed all six games against Indiana in an unspecified year due to a strained calf, and Khris Middleton missed the entire Eastern Conference semifinal loss to Boston in 2022 due to a knee injury.
Despite his injury, Lillard is determined to return as quickly as possible. "I'm focused on recovery and getting back to my best," Lillard said in a statement. "I'll be back stronger than ever."
In the meantime, Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts has made changes to the starting lineup, inserting guards A.J. Green and Kevin Porter Jr., forward Bobby Portis Jr., and Trent. The team will need to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome Lillard's absence.
The Bucks, who lost Game 4 to the Pacers 129-103, putting them in a 3-1 deficit in the series, will be without the services of Lillard for a significant period. Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers has learned to trust Lillard's words, and his potential absence is a blow to the team's postseason hopes.
The Pacers players sent their best wishes to Lillard after Sunday's game, and many in the NBA community have expressed their support for the injured star. Antetokounmpo, who bruised his lower back in Game 1 of an unspecified series and missed the next two games before returning, offered his sympathies to Lillard. "I know how tough it is to be injured during the playoffs," Antetokounmpo said. "I'm here for you, Dame."
Lillard, who is set to make his return with his former team after finalizing a three-year contract with the Trail Blazers, is already talking about his return and being better. "I'll be back," Lillard said. "And I'll be better than ever."
This report was contributed to by Steve Megargee, a sports writer.
[1] https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35583608/damian-lillard-says-he-will-be-back-better-after-torn-achilles-injury [2] https://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/2025/05/damian-lillard-optimistic-about-return-from-torn-achilles-injury.html [3] https://www.nba.com/news/damian-lillard-out-for-rest-of-2025-26-season-with-torn-achilles [4] https://www.oregonian.com/sports/portland-trail-blazers/damian-lillard-to-return-with-portland-trail-blazers-in-2026-27-season-after-torn-achilles-injury/article_ac735c50-9915-5f92-9836-682c058fbd02.html
The sports media is abuzz with updates on injured Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard, who sustained a torn Achilles, putting him out for the 2025-26 season. Despite his recovery potentially taking 8 to 10 months, Lillard's determination remains unmoved, as he expresses his intention to return stronger than ever. This unfortunate injury comes at a time when the NBA community, including Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, is offering their support for Lillard.
