In the early morning of April 28, Beijing time, an injury was announced: According to NBA Hall of Fame Shams, Lillard suffered an Achilles tendon injury and the injury is aggravated, and he and Brother Alphabet are very likely to miss the next game. According to ESPN reporter Jamal Collier, after the Bucks' video lesson ended today, Lillard has put on protective boots!
Sports medicine specialist Jeff Stotts wrote: "Lillard suffered a first-degree Achilles tendon strain, which is not very serious, but it can cause long-term distress. The injury has been sidelined for an average of 10 days, with an average of 4.2 games missed. "At present, the Bucks are 1-2 behind the Pacers, and G4 will start at 7 a.m. Beijing time on April 29.
Bucks coach Docs Docs Docs said: "In the first quarter of G3, Lillard suffered a knee injury and an Achilles tendon injury in the fourth quarter. He returned to the field to finish the game, and he couldn't run at full strength. G3 Lillard played 45 minutes and had a bad hand: 6-of-20 shooting, 4-of-12 three-pointers, 12-of-12 free throws, 28 points, 1 rebound, 8 assists and 3 steals.
The Achilles tendon is not a trivial matter, and Lillard must not force a comeback, otherwise it will affect his future career. Lillard, who was born on July 15, 1990, turns 34 this summer, is no longer young. Brother Alphabet suffered a strain of the soleus muscle in his left calf, and he has not played in the playoffs this year, and both of the Bucks' cores are injured.
Lillard led the team in three playoff games, averaging 40.7 minutes of playing time. Lillard averaged 32.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 41.5 percent from the field, 44.4 percent from three-point range and 96.4 percent from the free throw line. In the first two games of the series, Lillard scored a total of 69 points, and he did his best.
In the series G1, Lillard scored 35 points on 11-of-24 shooting, all of which came in the first half. Lillard set a new playoff record for a playoff halftime scoring in Bucks history, after 33 points in the half. Among all active NBA players, Lillard's 35 points in the half ranks second, behind Durant's 38 points in the half in 2019.
Looking at another set of data, after joining the new club, the first two playoff scoring lists: O'Neal scored 76 points in 2 games, first in NBA history, Siakam scored 73 points in 2 games, second in NBA history, and Lillard scored 69 points in 2 games, third in NBA history. However, in those two games, Lillard combined for 3-of-14 in the second half and scored only 8 points in total.
In the regular season this season, the Bucks are 49-33 and third in the East. Last season, the Bucks were 58-24 and ranked first in the East. After Lillard joined, the Bucks won nine fewer games. Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7 assists and 1 steal in 35.3 minutes per game in the regular season, shooting 42.4%, 35.4% and 92% from three.
For comparison, in the 2022-23 season, Lillard averaged 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 0.9 steals per game for the Trail Blazers, shooting 46.3%, 37.1%, and 91.4% from three. With the exception of steals and free throw percentage, Lillard's stats have declined this season. The chemistry between him and Brother Alphabet does not have the effect of 1+1 greater than 2.
Lillard's current contract expires in the summer of 2027 with three years and $170 million remaining. His salary next season is $48.79 million, up to $63.23 million for the 2026-27 season. Well-known commentator A. Smith suggested that the Bucks trade Lillard! However, with Lillard's contract, it will be difficult for the Bucks to find a home for him.
In the end, I wish Lillard a speedy recovery, without him and Brother Alphabet, the Bucks really can't stand it!