The Phoenix Suns secured another win, but the victory was overshadowed by a troubling development for head coach Mike Budenholzer. Devin Booker delivered a stellar performance alongside his teammates, but the game took a sudden turn when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant</a> exited in the second half due to an injury. On Wednesday, after the NBA Cup game, the Suns’ medical staff provided an update on the star forward’s condition.



Durant, who played just 16 minutes, suffered a left ankle sprain after a collision with a Spurs player. Although he initially hoped to return, the pain was too much for him to continue, forcing him to watch from the sidelines among <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-budenholzer">Budenholzer</a> as the game went on. Despite his absence, the Suns continued their push, but ultimately fell short of reaching the NBA Cup quarterfinals.



According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Durant will be sidelined for at least a week for further evaluation. “Phoenix Suns All-NBA forward Kevin Durant will be re-evaluated in one week due to a left ankle sprain. Durant suffered the injury while landing on a Spurs player’s foot during Phoenix’s win on Tuesday night,” Charania reported.



This means Durant is expected to miss several key upcoming games in the regular season, including Thursday night’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans and possibly Saturday’s contest against the Miami Heat in Miami.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241204_BUS_286229_GettyImages-2181670424-1024x683_df4c298a.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=683" alt="" class="wp-image-265338" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2181670424-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2181670424-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2181670424-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2181670424-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/GettyImages-2181670424-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 28: (L-R) Devin Booker #1, Bradley Beal #3 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns walk on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Footprint Center on October 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 109-105. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Budenholzer’s thoughts on Durant’s injury</h2>



Following the game, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a> head coach Budenholzer shared his thoughts on the Suns’ performance and the impact of Durant’s injury on their upcoming game plans. “This is a blow in a few different ways when you lose a player like Kevin,” Budenholzer said. “The third quarter was tough for us, and we seemed to be heading in the wrong direction.”


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He continued, praising his team’s resilience despite the absence of the star forward: “Mason and Monte had a great stretch. They were instrumental in many plays, not just on the boards. Of course, Devin Booker was outstanding tonight, scoring 15 points in the opening bucket alone. His leadership and voice were key throughout the game. This is a big win for us.”



<h2>Durant’s stats so far this season</h2>



As Coach Budenholzer continues to implement his game plan, one thing remains clear: Durant is the undeniable leader of the Phoenix Suns. His presence on the court changes the dynamic of the team, and his individual performance this season has been nothing short of remarkable.



In 13 games played this season—despite dealing with another injury—Durant has scored a total of 335 points, averaging 25 points per game. Of those 335 points, 120 came from field goals, 35 from three-pointers, and 60 from free throws. Additionally, Durant has contributed 87 rebounds, 40 assists, and 43 turnovers.



<h2>Games that Durant will miss</h2>



<ul><li>VS. New Orleans Pelicans – December 5 – <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Regular Season</li><li>VS. Miami Heat – December 7 – NBA Regular Season</li><li>VS. Orlando Magic – December 8 – NBA Regular Season</li><li>VS. Utah Jazz – December 13 – NBA Regular Season</li></ul>

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NBA News: Suns HC Mike Budenholzer receives concerning update on Kevin Durant's injury - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The highly coveted NBA Cup trophy will be up for grabs in another thrilling fixture. One of the standout matchups in the tournament will see the San Antonio Spurs face off against the Phoenix Suns, with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-budenholzer">Mike Budenholzer</a> and his team aiming for a spot in the next round. With three teams already securing their places in the quarterfinals, 11 more games remain to determine which five teams will join them in the next stage.



Among the most exciting matchups in the Western Conference is the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/san-antonio-spurs">Spurs</a>-Suns clash, as both teams are vying for a chance to advance, with the Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors already clinching their spots. This sets the stage for a high-intensity battle, where both teams will leave it all on the court to secure their passage.



Ahead of the highly anticipated game, Budenholzer shared a candid assessment of Spurs star Chris Paul. The seasoned veteran is expected to be in San Antonio’s starting lineup for Tuesday night’s showdown. “There’s the cliché of having a ‘coach on the court,’ but with Chris, it’s more than just a cliché,” Budenholzer remarked.



Budenholzer went on to praise Paul’s basketball IQ, adding, “I don’t want to say he’s usually one or two steps ahead of me, but he’s usually one or two steps ahead of me.” The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a> head coach’s comments were tinged with humor, reflecting Paul’s reputation as an exceptional playmaker and leader for the Spurs throughout the NBA regular season.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="683" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241203_BUS_285411_GettyImages-2180860906-1024x683_16d97874.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=683" alt="" class="wp-image-259734" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2180860906-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2180860906-300x200.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2180860906-768x512.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2180860906-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/GettyImages-2180860906-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>DALLAS, TEXAS – OCTOBER 24: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks is defended by Chris Paul #3 of the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter of the game at American Airlines Center on October 24, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Paul’s past with the Suns</h2>



Chris Paul spent three seasons with the Phoenix Suns, a tenure marked by impressive individual performance and key contributions to the team’s success. During that time, Paul not only put up strong statistics but also formed valuable connections with <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> All-Stars like Kevin Durant. Now, as fate would have it, the two are set to face off against each other at the Footprint Center in Phoenix.


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In 194 games with the Suns, Paul accumulated 2,926 points, averaging 15.1 points per game. His shooting splits include 1,096 made field goals out of 2,983 attempts (36.7%), 263 made three-pointers out of 718 attempts (36.6%), and 471 made free throws out of 543 attempts (86.8%). Additionally, he recorded 1,848 assists (9.5 per game) and 846 rebounds (4.4 per game).



<h2>Booker on Paul’s impact</h2>



As Chris Paul prepares to face his former teammates, Suns star Devin Booker shared his thoughts on Paul’s influence on the game. “He’s done it everywhere he’s been—he elevates his team, accelerates their growth, and gets everyone around him to play at a higher level,” Booker said.



With both Suns and Spurs fans eagerly anticipating the matchup, all eyes will be on the floor as these two teams battle it out for the coveted $500k prize for each player.

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NBA News: Suns HC Mike Budenholzer makes bold admission about San Antonio Spurs star - Bolavip US

The Phoenix Suns are struggling without future <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Hall of Famer Kevin Durant, who remains sidelined after suffering a calf strain against the Dallas Mavericks. The team has dropped four consecutive games during his absence, and head coach Mike Budenholzer made it clear that unity is key to getting through this rough patch.



Since Durant’s injury, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a> have played six games but managed to win only one. To make matters worse, Bradley Beal has also missed time, leaving Devin Booker as the primary leader for the team.



After a 109-99 loss to the Orlando Magic—their fourth in a row—Budenholzer praised the team’s resilience in the face of adversity.“These guys are going to stay together… it’s a good group,” <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-budenholzer">Budenholzer</a> said in his postgame press conference. 



“They’ve got a good spirit, they’ve got a good way about them. Through good times and the hard times, you have to keep coming to work, put your individual time, put your team time in, and keep your head up,“ he continued. “This group will do that. They’re very good, they’re very resilient.”



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241119_BUS_276096_boooker-durant-beal-1024x576_096ea296.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="" class="wp-image-276108" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/boooker-durant-beal.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Devin Booker #1, Bradley Beal #3 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns walk on the court during the first half of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Footprint Center. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Tyus Jones stays level-headed</h2>



Tyus Jones led the Suns in scoring against the Magic with 18 points. Despite the tough stretch, Jones remains optimistic, emphasizing the importance of staying united and focused on improvement.


 

 

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“It’s a long season, it’s a long season,” Jones said. “There are ups and downs in the season. There are times that we’re going to be playing great ball, and there are times when we’re going to be struggling to get a win like right now.”



“You just got to continue to push through, you got to try to just stay somewhere in the middle and just try to continue to improve as a group,” Jones continued. “We know what our goals are. You can’t win a championship in November, so we got to continue to grow each and every day and just stay with it.”



<h2>What’s next for the Suns?</h2>



The Suns have a prime opportunity to turn things around with a five-game homestand. They’ll face the Knicks, Lakers, Nets, Warriors, and Spurs over the next stretch of games.



However, they’ll need to do so without <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Durant</a>, who is recovering from a left calf strain and will be reevaluated in the coming days. If the Suns can rally around their core players and maintain the unity Budenholzer stressed, they have a chance to bounce back from this negative streak.

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NBA News: Suns HC makes something clear about the team amid losing streak - Bolavip US

The NBA Cup kicks off this Tuesday, and teams are gearing up for the chance to claim another trophy. The Phoenix Suns open their campaign against the Utah Jazz, but head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-budenholzer">Mike Budenholzer</a> is already facing challenges. In addition to Kevin Durant’s injury, another key player has been sidelined ahead of the opener.



Without <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Durant</a>, Budenholzer is reworking his game plan to compensate for the absence of the Suns’ star player. While this will provide opportunities for other players in the NBA Cup opener, the team’s options have dwindled due to yet another injury confirmed by the organization.



In a press release, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a> announced unfortunate news for Budenholzer and his squad: “Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie will be out with a right ankle fracture. He will be re-evaluated in four weeks.” Although Gillespie hasn’t been a consistent part of the starting lineup, his absence adds further strain to the team’s rotation.



Despite these setbacks, the Suns still have a formidable lineup with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Royce O’Neal expected to lead the charge against the Jazz. Meanwhile, Utah will aim to rebound from a rough stretch in the regular season, hoping to turn the page with success in this tournament.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241112_BUS_271089_Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-1024x576_d066c20f.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Collin Gillispie celebrating" class="wp-image-271198" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Collin-Gillispie-Phoenix-Suns.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Ryan Dunn #0, Josh Okogie #2 and Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns celebrate after a 118-114 win against the Los Angeles Lakers at Acrisure Arena on October 06, 2024 in Palm Springs, California.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Budenholzer bolstered by questionable players returning</h2>



Despite losing Durant and Gillespie, Budenholzer received some positive news ahead of the opener. Two players initially listed as questionable are expected to suit up. Among them is Booker, who acknowledged he wasn’t at full strength in recent comments to the media: “I don’t know about normal, but it’s something. It’s something, but it should be gone soon.”


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Bradley Beal is also set to return. When asked about his condition, Beal said he felt good but admitted to some lingering discomfort in his knee and elbow. However, the latest injury report cleared him to play against the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> Cup opener against the Jazz and in future games. “It feels a little sore, but X-rays were negative, which is the best thing I could ask for. So probably just a bad bruise or something.”



<h2>Budenholzer on Booker’s importance</h2>



As Budenholzer continues to lean on Booker, he highlighted the star guard’s significance to the Suns’ success following a recent win over the Mavericks: “Devin got off to a great start. I think for him, and probably for all of us, our expectations are incredibly high. The standards are high for him too.”



Budenholzer added: “He may be off for a game or two, but every night, I think it’s going to be somebody different stepping up. When you start out with four or five great games, rotations and subs become a little less critical. We’ll figure out what’s best for the team.”

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NBA News: Suns HC Mike Bundeholzer loses another player among Kevin Durant - Bolavip US

Sunday’s matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the Sacramento Kings reminded everyone that all good things must come to an end. The Suns, coached by <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-budenholzer">Mike Budenholzer</a>, suffered a 9-point loss in Phoenix, bringing their record to 8-2 in the NBA regular season. Following the game, Budenholzer addressed the team’s performance without stars Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, both sidelined due to injuries and health issues.



The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a>’ struggles were evident on the stat sheet. Ryan Dunn’s limited scoring and Jusuf Nurkic’s lack of rebounding presence highlighted the challenges the team faced. On the other side, the Kings leaned on DeMar DeRozan, who delivered a dominant 34-point performance, sealing the victory for Sacramento.



Budenholzer acknowledged the toll of the grueling <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> schedule, especially with Durant already injured and Booker battling an unspecified illness. “I think he’s had a tough couple of days, and I’ve gotta find a way to give him a break,” Budenholzer told reporters. However, the coach also emphasized Booker’s unwavering drive: “He’s a fighter, he’s a competitor. He wants to play every minute.”



With both Durant and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/devin-booker">Booker</a> potentially unavailable for upcoming games, fans are left wondering who will step up to lead the Suns during this challenging stretch.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241111_BUS_270393_Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-1024x576_ee017dc9.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 109-105." class="wp-image-262274" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Austin-Reaves-lakers-Suns.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on October 28, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Lakers 109-105.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Budenholzer faces another injury concern</h2>



In addition to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Durant</a> and Booker, Bradley Beal emerged as another injury worry for the Suns. During a play involving DeRozan, Beal took a hard fall to his knee. After the game, he provided an update: “It feels a little sore. But X-rays were negative, which is the best thing I could ask for. So probably just a bad bruise or something.”


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Beal’s availability will be critical as the Suns navigate the absence of their stars. Against the Kings, he showcased his value with an impressive 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 assists, underscoring how essential he is to the team’s success.



<h2>Booker with some illness</h2>



Booker opened up about managing discomfort that has recently affected his on-court performance. The Suns guard acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in a swift recovery: “I don’t know about normal, but it’s something. It’s something, but it should be gone soon,” Booker said.



This isn’t the first time Booker has dealt with physical setbacks. Earlier in his career, a minor ankle injury sidelined him for four straight games, though he required just a week to recover. While he remains optimistic about his current condition, the lingering effects appear to be impacting his ability to perform at his usual level.



<h2>What’s next for the Suns?</h2>



The Suns’ focus now shifts to the NBA Cup, which kicks off this week. Their first matchup in the Group Stage will be against the Utah Jazz. Afterward, the Suns will face the Kings once again, this time in Sacramento, as they look to regain their winning momentum.



Upcoming Suns games:



<ul><li>vs. Jazz – NBA Cup Group Stage Game 1 – November 12</li><li>vs. Kings – NBA regular season Game 11 – November 13</li><li>vs. Thunder – NBA Cup Group Stage Game 2 – November 15</li><li>vs. Timberwolves – NBA regular season Game 12 – November 17</li><li>vs. Magic – NBA regular season Game 13 – November 18</li></ul>

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NBA News: Suns' HC Mike Budenholzer reveals plans for Devin Booker amid Kevin Durant’s absence - Bolavip US

Another victory for the Phoenix Suns in the NBA regular season has solidified their strong 6-1 start. The latest win over the Philadelphia 76ers showcased <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/kevin-durant">Kevin Durant‘</a>s exceptional performance. After the game, Durant was asked about the impact head coach Mike Budenholzer has had on the team’s success.



Durant led the Suns with impressive stats, scoring 35 points and proving his commitment to the team following <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-news-suns-star-kevin-durant-strongly-calls-out-stephen-a-smith">a public exchange with commentator Stephen A. Smith last weekend</a>. His standout game underscored his critical role in the Suns’ offense against the Sixers.



Despite a challenging game where the second quarter ended in a tie, Durant spoke openly about <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-budenholzer">Budenholzer</a>’s influence and the adjustments that have sharpened the Suns’ game plan this season.



“Coach is doing a great job, letting us all get involved and finding the best areas for each of us on the floor. They’ve really done a fantastic job,” Durant said, referencing how Budenholzer’s strategic use of players in various positions has helped the team maintain control in different situations.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241105_BUS_266241_Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-1024x576_242d2613.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Kevin Durant jumping with Paul George" class="wp-image-266309" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-740x416.jpg 740w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-490x275.jpg 490w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10-250x140.jpg 250w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/11/Kevin-Durant-Phoenix-Suns-10.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the go ahead layup over Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Footprint Center on November 04, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona.</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Durant on his role under Budenholzer</h2>



In addition to speaking on the team’s overall cohesion, Durant addressed Budenholzer’s approach to his position on the floor, allowing him to maximize scoring opportunities.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#/nba/nba-news-josh-okogie-sends-clear-message-to-stephen-a-smith-about-durants-leadership-in-the-suns"></div>

 

 


“I’ve been getting good looks. I went 7-for-16, had about 20 points going into the fourth, so I’m getting plenty of shots up,” Durant said. “Against the Clippers, I was focused on creating space for others, and I think it helped the team score. Coach isn’t holding me back—he’s actually doing a great job putting us in positions to succeed.”



<h2>Durant’s stats against the Sixers</h2>



Alongside his 35 points, Durant added 6 assists and 4 rebounds, with a shooting performance that included 14-of-20 from the field (.700) and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. 



He was also perfect from the free-throw line, going 5-for-5, continuing to show that age isn’t slowing him down. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a> Fans will be looking forward to his next performance against the Miami Heat in Game 8 in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> regular season.

NBA News: Kevin Durant makes something clear about Mike Budenholzer's job in the Suns

NBA News: Suns star Kevin Durant reaches milestone achieved by only 15 players in history

Phoenix Suns&#039; Kevin Durant reflects on key decisions shaping his NBA legacy

NBA News: Kevin Durant makes something clear about Mike Budenholzer's job in the Suns - Bolavip US

With a 3-1 record in the preseason, the Phoenix Suns are preparing for the NBA regular season. Their final preseason matchup will be against the Lakers, who have struggled so far. However, the bigger concern for the Suns is the season opener, as head coach <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/mike-budenholzer">Mike Budenholzer</a> has provided an injury update that has fans worried.



Despite dealing with absences in recent games, the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/phoenix-suns">Suns</a> are working on finalizing their starting five, with Kevin Durant as the centerpiece. However, Budenholzer is particularly concerned about three key players.



“Nurkic hasn’t had any contact, hasn’t done any basketball. He’s been doing a great job on his conditioning, but there’s nothing like playing basketball,” Budenholzer told the media.



Budenholzer also addressed Grayson Allen’s status: “With Grayson, it’s pretty much the same as Nurkic. He hasn’t done any basketball, and I think that’s a concern.“ 



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="576" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20241016_BUS_253751_Grayson-Allen-Phoenix-Suns-1-1024x576_c01549ba.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=576" alt="Grayson Allen looking concerned" class="wp-image-253795" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Grayson-Allen-Phoenix-Suns-1-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Grayson-Allen-Phoenix-Suns-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Grayson-Allen-Phoenix-Suns-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Grayson-Allen-Phoenix-Suns-1-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/10/Grayson-Allen-Phoenix-Suns-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure><figcaption>Grayson Allen #8 of the Phoenix Suns plays the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter at Ball Arena on March 27, 2024 in Denver, Colorado.</figcaption></figure>



Additionally, Josh Okogie remains in the rehab process, with no clear return date: “He didn’t participate in the practice,” Budenholzer noted in the injury report he told the media.


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<h2>Budenholzer weighs the options, but has a plan B</h2>



Despite the injury setbacks, Budenholzer remains confident that the rest of the squad will be at full strength for the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> regular season. The team’s preseason performance has been solid, giving the coach reasons for optimism.



Ryan Dunn, for example, delivered an impressive performance against the Nuggets, scoring 20 points, with 4 assists and 4 rebounds in 30 minutes. Monté Morris also stepped up in the last game, contributing 20 points, 7 assists, and 2 rebounds.



As the Suns look ahead, they aim to secure another win in their final preseason game against the Lakers, before opening the regular season on October 23 against the Clippers at the Intuit Dome.

NBA News: Suns HC Budenholzer provides injury updates, raises concerns over opening game lineup

NBA News: Suns HC Budenholzer provides injury updates, raises concerns over opening game lineup - Bolavip US

Not so long ago, Serge Ibaka was considered one of the prime rim protectors in the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, and his presence gave <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> and the<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Milwaukee Bucks</a> strong depth off the bench.



But Ibaka’s tenure in Wisconsin didn’t exactly go down in the way he expected. His playing time diminshed, as usually happens with aging players, but they never gave him an explanation.



That’s why the former Oklahoma City<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/oklahoma-city-thunder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Thunder</a> standout didn’t hesitate to put the team and former coach Mike Budenholzer on blast, ripping him for how they dealt with his situation.



<h2>Serge Ibaka Takes A Shot At Mike Budenholzer</h2>



“(Budenholzer) told me to my face,” Ibaka told Shams Charania. ‘Listen, you’re coming here, I promise you nothing, but you never know, it’s a long season, guys can have injuries, you have to stay ready’.”



“Going there, I said, ‘cool, I’m going to stay ready,’ Ibaka added. “I’m a professional and so grateful to be in this position. It’s a blessing no matter if I am playing or not. But now when things start getting more confused for me mentally was like when a guy got injured and nobody called my name to play. And when those guys came back, that’s when you called me. And then I play one game and then you don’t play me for three weeks? On top of that, there was no communication, so that’s mainly the reason why I left.”



“When I go talk to the front office, they tell me different things,” the big man continued. “They love me. They want me to be there, they want me to stay. And when I go back on the court, it’s different. It got to some point where I cannot take this anymore. I love this game so much, but if this is going to take my peace of mind, my joy, it’s not worth it. I earned my respect in this league. At least communicate. I’m not asking about playing, I’m just asking for communication.”


<div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" id="BUS#20230729#BUS#37842"></div>


At the end of the day, this is a business, and most organizations deal with it as such. But players are also human beings, and all they want is to know what’s going on.

Serge Ibaka rips Mike Budenholzer and the Milwuakee Bucks - Bolavip US

Serge Ibaka rips Mike Budenholzer and the Milwuakee Bucks

For the fourth time in the past five years — and the third year in a row — the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/philadelphia-76ers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Philadelphia 76ers</a> lost in the second round of the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a> playoffs. Not even reigning MVP<a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/Joel-Embiid-almost-retired-long-before-winning-MVP-20230504-0003.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Joel Embiid</a> was enough to get them over the hump.



Unsurprisingly, that was the end of Doc Rivers’ tenure in charge of the team. His teams have underperformed way too many times, and it became evident that he had already maxed out with this organization.



So, now that the Sixers are back in the market for a new coach, there should be plenty of options and candidates looking to draw Xs and Os for Embiid and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/james-harden" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">James Harden</a>. Here, we’ll take a look at three that make sense.



<h2>NBA Rumors: 3 Potential Coaches For The Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



<h3>3. Mike Budenholzer</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230517_BUS_1665_MIKE-BUDENHOLZER-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-1586" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-BUDENHOLZER-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-BUDENHOLZER-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-BUDENHOLZER-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-BUDENHOLZER.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Mike Budenholzer — Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Mike Budenholzer immediately became one of the prime coach candidates available. He’s a championship-winning coach with a strong pedigree around the league, and his regular-season résumé pretty much speaks for itself.



On the downside, Coach Bud has been outcoached in the playoffs way too many times already. He’s elite at developing a defensive identity and an unselfish offense, but he’s not much of an improvement when it comes to making in-series adjustments.



<h3>2. Sam Cassell</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230517_BUS_1665_SAM-CASSELL-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-1585" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/SAM-CASSELL-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/SAM-CASSELL-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/SAM-CASSELL-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/SAM-CASSELL.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Sam Cassell — Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Sam Cassell has been waiting for his turn to take the reins for quite a while now. He’s been an assistant coach for the past 14 years, and he’s been a top assistant in the organization for three years straight.



Cassell could give them a sense of continuity while also shaking things up a little, and sometimes that’s all it takes for a team to get over the hump. Of course, he doesn’t have any experience as the main guy, but he’s earned his stripes already.



<h3>1. Mike D’Antoni</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230517_BUS_1665_MIKE-DANTONI-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-1584" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-DANTONI-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-DANTONI-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-DANTONI-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/05/MIKE-DANTONI.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Mike D’Antoni — Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



Mike D’Antoni had the best version of James Harden and made him even better. He turned him into the elite playmaker he is nowadays, and he would be a no-brainer choice if they intend to keep Harden around for at least another season.



D’Antoni is one of the best offensive minds in the game. He’s a proven, bonafide coach, which is more than we can say about most of the guys that are still available at this point in the year. It’s a bit of a gamble but one that could pay off immediately.

NBA Rumors: Coach candidates for the Philadelphia 76ers - Bolavip US

NBA Rumors: Coach candidates for the Philadelphia 76ers

As good a coach as Mike Budenholzer is, he’s been exposed and outcoached in the playoffs in all but one year of his career. That year happened to be when <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/giannis-antetokounmpo" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Giannis Antetokounmpo</a> led the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/milwaukee-bucks" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Milwaukee Bucks</a> to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nba" target="_blank" rel="noopener">NBA</a> championship.
Coach Bud always thrives in the regular season and then is unwilling or unable to make adjustments in the postseason. That has come back to haunt him every single year against multiple rivals.
So, it seems like even an easy-going and coachable guy like Giannis has had enough of this trend. He called him out for not even trying something different to stop Jimmy Butler in their series loss to the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Miami Heat.</a>
<h2>Giannis Antetokounmpo Calls Out Mike Budenholzer</h2>
“I don’t know, double-team him more, try to make him pass the ball,” Antetokounmpo said. “Maybe switch the matchup for a little bit, give Jrue (Holiday) a break. I don’t think as a team we made the right adjustment) or we didn’t make as many adjustments as we could have against him.”
 
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<h2>Budenholzer Could Be Out As Coach</h2>
So, now that Giannis has openly said what the rest of the world was thinking, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports that Budenholzer’s future with the organization is very much shaky at this point:
“Mike Budenholzer’s status as Bucks head coach is very much shaky; there are questions across the organization, locker room, throughout this franchise about his status moving forward” Charania said. “I’m told Budenholzer has two years and $16 million left on his contract. He is a championship coach. But you can look at three factors to why people are pointing the finger to Budenholzer, particularly the lack of adjustments to Jimmy Butler.”

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<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
“Mike Budenholzer’s status as Bucks head coach is very much shaky, there are questions across the organization… I’m told Budenholzer has two years and $16 million left on his contract.”
 NBA Insider <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ShamsCharania</a> reports on Milwaukee following its disappointing playoff exit. <a href="https://t.co/WhmEtPNR5R">pic.twitter.com/WhmEtPNR5R</a>
 — The Rally (@TheRally) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRally/status/1651706479282454531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2023</a> </blockquote></div>
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Truth be told, it looks like Bud is more suited to be a top assistant rather than a head coach, and him having a ring is even more of a testament to Antetokounmpo’s greatness and the Bucks’ depth.