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Milwaukee's Doc Rivers says Damian Lillard won't 'go out this way' after tearing Achilles tendon

ABC News's profile
ABC News
4h ago

Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers is confident that Damian Lillard, who suffered a torn left Achilles tendon during the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, will not let this injury define his career. Lillard's resolve is evident as he expressed disbelief over his current situation and determination not to end his career this way, even discussing plans for his return. This injury is another setback for the Bucks, who have faced several challenges in recent postseasons, including injuries to key players like Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard's absence is significant, especially given his recent return from deep vein thrombosis, which he overcame in an unusually short recovery period. Despite the bleak circumstances, Lillard is committed to coming back stronger, while Rivers makes lineup adjustments to compensate for the loss in the ongoing series against Indiana.

Milwaukee's Doc Rivers says Damian Lillard won't 'go out this way' after tearing Achilles tendon

Damian Lillard's Achilles injury occurred during Game 4 of the Bucks' first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, leaving his team in a tough spot with a 3-1 deficit in the series. As he attempted to tip the ball to a teammate, he fell and required assistance to leave the court.

Lillard's injury comes after he had already made a surprising recovery from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, which typically requires a much longer recovery period than the month he took to return to play.

The Bucks have suffered from bad postseason luck with injuries to key players, including Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo, which have impacted their performance in recent playoff series.

Even though Lillard struggled to perform at his usual level in the series against the Pacers, he remains optimistic about his return and is already planning to come back better and ready for future challenges.

Doc Rivers has expressed confidence in Lillard's ability to overcome this setback, highlighting Lillard's resolve and determination not to let the injury define his career.

Rivers has adjusted the Bucks' starting lineup in response to Lillard's injury, including adding A.J. Green, Kevin Porter Jr., and Bobby Portis Jr. to the mix in an effort to adapt to the challenges posed by Lillard's absence.

The Bucks' ongoing series against Indiana is crucial, and Lillard's absence adds to the team's challenges, but his teammates and opponents alike have shown support and well wishes for his recovery.

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