How Pacers Showcased Compassion After Game 4 Victory

Although tension runs high in the NBA playoffs, a significant injury could throw water on the fire. During the Indiana Pacers' 129-103 Game 4 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, a costly injury occurred, dampening the Eastern Conference rivalry. The Pacers revealed humanity in their reaction to Bucks' Damian Lillard's devastating injury. 

Following the report that revealed Lillard experienced a blood clot scare in March, the Bucks' 2024-25 season appeared to be over before the 2025 playoffs began. However, after the Bucks' point guard returned in Game 2 against the Pacers, their fortunes turned in their favor, as they won Game 3 117-101. 

Yet, as the rivalry took a hit, so did the Bucks' future after Lillard appeared to have injured his Achilles in Game 4's opening period.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Lillard's potential injury on X (formerly known as Twitter).

"The fear is Bucks star Damian Lillard suffered a left Achilles tear," Haynes posted. "Brutal circumstance after working himself back from a blood clot diagnosis that kept him out over a month."

Although animosity flared between Tyrese Haliburton and a street-clothes-fitted Lillard during the Pacers' Game 1 victory over the Bucks, such contentiousness evaporates once a life-changing injury occurs. 

In Game 4's postgame media availability session, Haliburton revealed his true feelings for Lillard. 

The Pacers' point guard admitted he has no issue with Lillard, and the trash-talking is merely for the game. Haliburton stated that he had a lot of love and respect for Lillard, expressing his astonishment at the Bucks star's return from the blood clot scare. 

Every person at the podium on Sunday evening began with an opening statement, sending prayers and well wishes to Lillard. Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle called the injury "devastating."

Despite the heated history between the two teams, humanity prevails as an opponent experiences an agonizing injury. While the series hasn't officially ended, the Bucks' loss to Lillard triggers what's likely the second consecutive postseason in which the Pacers eliminate the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team. 

However, even in doing so, the Pacers demonstrated admirable compassion in the face of their opponent's misfortune.