Damian Lillard Entering Game Against Miami Heat Without Personal Feelings

The biggest storyline entering tonight's Miami Heat game at the Milwaukee Bucks in guard Damian Lillard.

After chasing Lillard all offseason, the Heat watched as the Bucks traded for him before the start of training camp. The teams meet for the first time since the deal.

Lillard spoke to reporters about the situation ahead of Monday's game.

“I’ve never played on their team,” Lillard said. “I mentioned it that that was the destination for me when I asked to be traded last year ... But I was traded here and I’m excited to be here, I’m happy to be here. I fit in great here. For me personally, that was the end of it.”

The Heat missed out on other free agents because of their pursuit of Lillard. Without him, they entered this season with basically the same roster as last year's that made the NBA Finals before losing to the Denver Nuggets in six games.

Lillard said the game is no different than any other. He's approaching it as just another attempt to keep the Bucks atop the Eastern Conference standings.

“I know Jimmy [Butler], I know Bam [Adebayo]. We’re cool,” Lillard said. “But I play for the Bucks and I’m not going into it like that’s my former team or we were tied in or nothing like that. It’s just another game.”

Damian Lillard Confirms Move To Milwaukee Bucks Instead Of Miami Heat

Shandel Richardson covers the Miami Heat for Inside The Heat

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