Tyrese Haliburton sends prayers to Damian Lillard as heated playoff rivalry comes to brutal end

After a rapid comeback from a calf blood clot, Damian Lillard suffered another potential long-term injury just three games into the Bucks' playoff run.

Tyrese Haliburton sends prayers to Damian Lillard as heated playoff rivalry comes to brutal end

Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton (Image via NBA/X)

With a 129-103 loss and a 3-1 series disadvantage, the Milwaukee Bucks were unable to knot up their first-round series versus the Indiana Pacers while at home in Game 4. The Bucks are just one defeat away from losing to the Pacers in the first round for the second consecutive year, which suddenly appears to be quite plausible.

However, the news that broke the Bucks fans’ hearts and made headlines was the injury to their star, Damian Lillard. It was no ordinary injury, per reports, Lillard has suffered an Achilles tendon tear, keeping him out for at least more than 6 months from the sport. Despite the epic rivalry between the two, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton had kind words for Lillard’s injury.

What you see between us is competing, and you hate to see that [injury] happen…He’s went through a lot and he has given it his all to come out here and play after a scary health issue…You know the love I have for the guy, and you hate to see that happen to anybody. I wish him the best.

Tyrese Haliburton said in the post-game presser

The enmity between the Bucks and Pacers had been intensifying quickly before tonight’s devastating defeat. After overcoming blood clots, Damian Lillard had recently returned to play Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers in the playoffs. The fans were expecting a lot from their star duo, Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, going into this series.

The Bucks, who had been unimpressive previously, were supposed to get a boost from Dame’s comeback. But when Lillard left the game due to an injury, the Bucks have now suffered yet another setback. Going into Game 5 of this series, the Pacers look likely to knock the Bucks out as they need just one win to qualify for the next round.

Now, with Lillard out for the season, the Bucks are shorthanded in attack, with only Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis Jr. helping out in attack for them. Lillard’s injury also puts an end to the epic rivalry between him and Haliburton, as seen in Game 1.

Bucks HC Doc Rivers delivers heartbreaking Damian Lillard news after Game 4 loss

The Milwaukee Bucks have faced several issues coming into the 2024-25 NBA season. These issues just seemed to pile up, and the Bucks never got going as per their expectations. However, they were given a glimmer of hope when star Damian Lillard returned from injury. That did not last long, as Lillard got injured again vs. the Pacers in Game 4 of the playoffs.

Bucks HC Doc Rivers broke this heartbreaking news to the fans after the game. After the game, Rivers acknowledged that Lillard’s prospects were not looking bright. Although a torn Achilles has not been identified formally, it is the anticipated outcome.

This is a tough one, honestly. Blood clot, followed by this. It’s just tough. That’s why you have teammates and family around him. He’s just such a great freaking dude, on a basketball level, but more importantly as a teammate and a father and all that stuff.

Doc Rivers said

Lillard just returned after being off for a month because of problems with blood clots. He tallied seven points and five assists in Game 3 after scoring 14 points and dishing out seven assists in Game 2.

For the Bucks, dropping both Game 4 and Lillard is a devastating blow. With their season on the line, the squad will now return to Indiana to play the Pacers in Game 5 on Tuesday night.

Kenny Smith called out Bucks star after the disappointing Game 4 loss

Except for their star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, everyone underperformed for the Bucks against the Pacers in Game 4. Despite possessing the likes of Bobby Portis Jr. and Kyle Kuzma, the Bucks lacked attack and were outclassed by the Pacers. NBA on TNT analyst Kenny Smith was highly critical of Kuzma for his game against the Pacers.

Smith called out the Bucks’ Kuzma. On “Inside the NBA,” Smith criticized Kuzma for failing to step up during their injury crisis with Lillard. Kuzma’s lack of assertiveness, according to the former point guard for the Houston Rockets, was his fault.

There’s some under performers that not getting the job done. Kyle Kuzma would definitely be one. A guy who’s replacing [Khris] Middleton, who was an All-Star. So, their expectation, he’s a younger version and saying, ‘You can shoot the ball, you can space the floor.’

Kenny Smith said

The former champion scored a mere three points and a field goal percentage of 16.7%. To support the Bucks, Smith insists that Kuz should have gotten at least 13 attempts in a game. All in all, it was a poor display by Kuzma and the Bucks in general, resulting in their poor loss vs. the Pacers.

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