Milwaukee Bucks followers have been already shocked after Damian Lillard went down with a non-contact harm in Recreation 4 in opposition to the Indiana Pacers. Then the Bucks’ official X account posted a easy however heartbreaking message: a photograph of Lillard, captioned, “Love you, Dame.”
In only one season, Lillard had turn into extra than simply Milwaukee’s latest star. He was an emblem of hope, a pacesetter who embraced the problem of serving to the Bucks chase one other championship. His harm, feared to be a torn Achilles tendon, shook not simply the staff however the whole metropolis.
The Bucks’ message was uncooked and actual, and it hit followers laborious. It was not about playoff math or comeback hopes. It was about household. About honoring a participant who, in just a few quick months, gave every little thing he needed to his new staff.
The second got here throughout a devastating evening for Milwaukee. After Lillard exited early within the first quarter, the Bucks struggled to maintain tempo, ultimately falling to the Pacers 129-103. Indiana took a commanding 3-1 lead within the first-round sequence, placing Milwaukee getting ready to elimination.
Throughout social media, Bucks followers poured out messages of affection and assist. Some remembered Lillard’s clutch performances earlier this season, the place he had delivered dagger threes and game-saving performs. Others merely posted damaged coronary heart emojis or mentioned what many have been feeling: “Get effectively quickly, Dame. We love you.”
The outpouring of emotion wasn’t restricted to Milwaukee. Even Indiana Pacers gamers and coaches, who had simply pushed the Bucks to the brink of playoff elimination, confirmed their respect.
Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle known as Lillard’s harm “tragic” and praised the purpose guard’s fame across the league. “I’ve such nice respect for him,” Carlisle mentioned.
Tyrese Haliburton, who had traded aggressive jabs with Lillard earlier within the sequence, made it clear that the rivalry stayed throughout the sport and that he wished Lillard nothing however the perfect off the court docket.
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“Earlier than y’all ask any questions. I wish to ship my ideas and prayers to Dame. What you see between us is competing. You hate to see that occur, particularly to a man who’s went by way of lots and he is given it his all to come back out right here and play after the scary well being concern,” Haliburton mentioned in a post-game press convention.
Lillard’s harm couldn’t have come at a worse time. The Bucks, already down 3-1 within the sequence, now face elimination with out one among their main weapons. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who himself has been battling harm, will want a near-superhuman efficiency to increase Milwaukee’s playoff life when the sequence returns to Indiana for Recreation 5.
Nonetheless, the ache from Lillard’s harm runs deeper than the field scores. Lillard constructed his fame on loyalty and perseverance throughout his years in Portland, famously embracing the “by no means run from the grind” mentality.
When he got here to Milwaukee, he introduced that very same spirit, and rapidly gained over a franchise and a fanbase hungry for extra banners.
Now, whether or not he faces months of rehab or an extended highway again, the Bucks’ message is obvious: Damian Lillard is greater than a participant they traded for. He’s a part of Milwaukee’s basketball household.
The playoffs will transfer on. The Pacers are more likely to advance. The NBA world will flip its consideration to the subsequent matchup. However inside Milwaukee, Lillard’s harm leaves a void no postseason bracket can measure.
“Love you, Dame” was greater than only a submit. It was Milwaukee telling Damian Lillard: it doesn’t matter what occurs subsequent, this metropolis stands with you.