Giannis Calls Damian Lillard One of the 'Most Mentally Tough Players' After Injury

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo praised Damian Lillard after the star point guard suffered a lower leg injury in Game 4 of the team's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

"It’s tough being in that position, but he’s one of the strongest, most mentally tough players I’ve ever been around, and that’s why he’s who he is," Antetokounmpo said, per Nikola Miloradovic of Eurohoops. "I believe he’s going to overcome any obstacle in front of him. We’re all going to be there for him. Whatever the challenge is, he’s going to get through it, and we’ll help him through it.”

Lillard fell to the ground after helping secure an offensive rebound in the first quarter of the Bucks' 129-103 loss on Sunday and required help to go back to Milwaukee's locker room.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Lillard is feared to have suffered a left Achilles tear.

The 34-year-old previously missed Milwaukee's final 14 games of the regular season due to a blood clot in his right calf. Although he was initially ruled out indefinitely, he was able to return in Game 2 of the Bucks' clash with the Pacers.

Lillard's second season in Milwaukee was off to a strong start prior to his extended absence, averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists to go along with 1.2 steals per game on 44.8/37.6/92.1 shooting splits.

Antetokounmpo has stepped up against the Pacers, leading all players in the postseason by averaging 33.8 points and 14.3 rebounds per game. The rest of Milwaukee's rotation has struggled, though.

With Lillard feared to have suffered an injury that could sideline him for awhile, it'll be tough for the Bucks to overcome the 3-1 series deficit that they currently face.