Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton spoke about the injury suffered by Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard during Game 4 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs.

© Stacy Revere / GettyTyrese Haliburton #0 of the Indiana Pacers looks on during the second quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks

The Indiana Pacers faced the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4 of the 2024–25 NBA Playoffs, where the Pacers once again dominated, securing a convincing 129–103 victory.

With the win, Indiana now leads the series 3–1 and is on the verge of advancing to the next round. After the game, Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton spoke about the injury suffered by Damian Lillard.

It’s important to remember that a fierce rivalry has developed between Haliburton and Lillard in recent seasons. However, despite their intense on-court battles, Halliburton showed genuine empathy for Lillard following the injury.

“Before y’all ask any questions, I want to send my thoughts and prayers to Dame,” Haliburton said during his postgame press conference, via Bucks Realm on X (formerly Twitter). “What you see between us is competing. 

You hate to see that happen, especially to a guy who’s gone through a lot and has given it his all to come out here and play after a scary health issue.

It’s well-documented, you know, the love I have for that guy. So, hate to see that happen to anybody and wish him the best moving forward.”

Haliburton has been a thorn in the Bucks’ side over the past few years, but even the most loyal Milwaukee fans can recognize that the rivalry has always remained within the spirit of healthy competition. It’s a major blow for the Bucks, who are now missing a key leader at a critical moment.

Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts from the court after an apparent injury during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers

What happened to Damian Lillard?

The Bucks’ star guard grabbed a rebound off a missed shot, attempted a quick outlet pass, and then collapsed to the floor without any apparent contact. Lillard immediately showed signs of pain, clutching at his ankle before being helped off the court.

It’s important to note that Lillard had only recently returned from a serious health issue. He had been sidelined for a month with a deep vein thrombosis (blood clot) in his right calf and missed Milwaukee’s playoff opener.

Although his return was seen as a positive, Lillard had not fully looked like himself throughout the postseason.

The Bucks’ message to Lillard

With fans stunned by the injury and anxiously awaiting updates, the Bucks’ official X account shared a simple but emotional message: a photo of Lillard with the caption, “Love you, Dame.”

In just one NBA season, Lillard had become more than just Milwaukee’s newest superstar — he was a symbol of hope, a leader who embraced the challenge of guiding the Bucks back to championship glory. His injury, feared to be a torn Achilles tendon, sent shockwaves through the team and the entire city.