Butler: Not a lot of emotions in 1st game vs. Heat

Golden State Warriors veteran Jimmy Butler said he remained even-keeled in his first game against his former team, the Miami Heat.

The Heat honored the former star with a tribute video before tipoff. Miami eventually beat the Warriors 112-86 in the highly anticipated contest.

"I got a lot of love in the city for the fan base here," Butler said, according to ESPN's Ohm Youngmisuk. "Video was nice. I won't say that there was a lot of emotions, though. I think I went into this thing level-headed. We wanted to win a game. It didn't go the way that we planned. We'll be all right.

"I mean (the video) took me back to some good times when I was wearing a Miami Heat jersey. Very appreciative of those times, to help me become the player that I am, the individual that I am in this league, the teammate, the leader, all of those things. I don't think I could be who I am today without my opportunity here."

Butler finished the game with 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists after missing five of his first six shots. Steph Curry sat out of the contest due to a pelvic contusion.

The Heat sent Butler to the Warriors in a multi-team deal before the trade deadline, ending a tumultuous saga between the two parties. The six-time All-Star expressed his desire to be traded after not receiving an extension on his contract and said he didn't think it was possible to regain his joy for playing basketball in Miami.

"A chapter has ended," Butler said. "What I will say is I always say I'm very appreciative for the time here, the bonds that I've built here and when you look down the road, it's just a huge part of my career.

"So, I continue to say that I'm very grateful. I ain't spiteful towards nobody. Always grateful for the opportunity. A lot of the fan base. ... It's not bad. It's not all bad."

The Warriors face the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday.