You could tell right away when Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard went down in Game 4 that it was more than likely an Achilles tear.
As he sat on the court, unable to move, all of the energy and intensity that flooded Fiserv Forum went down the drain. While there was always some sliver of hope that perhaps it wasn't a full-blown tear, as Lillard did have a strained Achilles last season that some initially thought may have been a tear, it felt like a long shot this time around.
Indeed, according to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, Lillard has suffered an Achilles tendon tear, ending his season.
Damian Lillard's injury is a devastating blow for Bucks
As covered previously, this serves as a brutal end to Lillard's season after he worked so hard to get back on the floor from a blood clot. Now, he must brace for what will be a long journey ahead as he works to get back on the floor. At 34, it won't be easy, but NBA insider Chris Haynes says that Lillard is in "good spirits" as he braces for the road to recovery.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, this is a devastating blow that only adds to their recent track record of ugly postseason injuries. Staring at a 1-3 series deficit, they are on the verge of being bounced in the first round of the NBA Playoffs for the third consecutive season. After a rousing Game 3 win, it felt like the Bucks had hope they could make a run, but Lillard's injury has turned that dream into a nightmare.
Milwaukee's season isn't over yet, but looking ahead, this injury will certainly complicate things in the NBA offseason. It was already clear that the Milwaukee Bucks would shake things up if they suffered another early postseason exit, and while they still can, losing Lillard certainly complicates things, as expected when one of the team's two best players suffers such a brutal injury.
In the meantime, the Milwaukee Bucks have a series to complete. With Lillard out, Ryan Rollins and Kevin Porter Jr. will take over as the primary point guards, and Milwaukee will need all they can get from those two youngsters if they want any hope of staying afloat against the Pacers.
For now, all we can do is wish Lillard the best as he takes in this news.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.