Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Miami Heat during the Emirates NBA Cup game on November 26, 2024 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. Issac Baldizon, NBAE via Getty Images/AFP/File

LOS ANGELES -- Milwaukee Bucks star Damian Lillard will miss the remainder of the NBA season after suffering a torn left Achilles tendon during his team's playoff defeat to the Indiana Pacers, his team confirmed on Monday.

Lillard, who had only recently returned to play after being diagnosed with a blood clot in his right calf in March, was injured in the first quarter of the Bucks' 129-103 game four loss on Sunday.

"Damian Lillard underwent an MRI today that revealed a torn left Achilles tendon," the Bucks said in a statement. "Lillard will miss the remainder of the 2025 playoffs and undergo surgery to repair the injury."

The injury is a devastating blow to Milwaukee's hopes of establishing themselves as championship contenders behind Lillard's partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Lillard, 34, joined Milwaukee in 2023 after an 11-year stint with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Speaking after Lillard's injury on Sunday, a downcast Antetokounmpo said he backed Lillard to return from his latest injury blow.

"A lot of people don't see what Dame had to deal with, but I've been around him every single day and it's hard," Antetokounmpo said.

"It's hard being in his position, but he's one of the toughest, mentally toughest guys I've ever been around and that's why he is who he is, and I think he's going to overcome every obstacle that's going to be in front of him.

"Everybody's going to be there for him. No matter what the obstacle is for him, he's going to overcome and we're going to help him overcome."

Milwaukee trail Indiana 3-1 in their best-of-seven playoff series. The Pacers can clinch the series with victory in game five on Tuesday.

© Agence France-Presse