Warriors, whole again, savor return to NBA Finals

Damian Lillard knows that he and the Milwaukee Bucks fell short of expectations last season. But Lillard said there are reasons for that, and that he’s not falling apart physically.

“I’m not a player that’s breaking down,” Lillard said. “I live a clean, good, healthy life, so I can do it. I can do the same (expletive) I did two, three years ago. I can do it right now.”

In addition to working through several injuries, Lillard was going through a lot off the court. That contributed to his efficiency being down.

“There was a lot of change, a lot of stress, you know?” the veteran guard said. “I think now, having an opportunity to get myself in order and kind of start pushing forward to next season.”

Lillard also said that he’s OK that the focus is on the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks this season.

“The fact that we’re there and we’re under the radar is perfect because they’re gonna think nothing of us and then they’re gonna be like…You gotta face the truth, eventually. That’s how that usually works,” Lillard said.