The Bucks could theoretically try to find a new superstar to pair alongside Giannis. Lillard had been good prior to his injury from a statistical standpoint, averaging 24.9 points and 7.1 assists during the regular season and making his ninth All-Star game.

Milwaukee provided its fan base with a sense of hope following its 117-101 victory over the Pacers. However, such optimism crumbled when Lillard fell to the ground, without contact from another player, as the Bucks point guard attempted to grab an offensive rebound on the perimeter in the first quarter of Game 4.