{"id":129172,"date":"2025-03-17T14:26:16","date_gmt":"2025-03-17T18:26:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=129172"},"modified":"2025-03-17T14:26:16","modified_gmt":"2025-03-17T18:26:16","slug":"mike-budenholzer-makes-phoenix-suns-goal-crystal-clear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2025\/03\/17\/mike-budenholzer-makes-phoenix-suns-goal-crystal-clear\/","title":{"rendered":"Mike Budenholzer Makes Phoenix Suns’ Goal Crystal Clear"},"content":{"rendered":"

With less than a month left in the regular season, the Phoenix Suns<\/a> are one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA. Currently, they are 31-37 and own the No. 11 seed in the Western Conference. If the season ended today, they would miss the postseason altogether. Furthermore, while their offense is decent, the Suns rank as one of the worst defensive teams in the league. However, even given their disappointing campaign, Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer made it clear that the team is not backing down.<\/p>\n

After the team’s recent loss to the Los Angeles Lakers<\/a>, Budenholzer said the goal is still to make the postseason. Additionally, he said “There is a lot of fight” in the locker room and that the team is not ready to give up (subscription required<\/a>).<\/p>\n

\u201cThis group is \u2014 there\u2019s still (14) games left. We need to get into the play-in, we need to get into the playoffs and try and do something there,\u201d Budenholzer said. \u201cLike, there is a lot of talent in our locker room. There is a lot of fight in our locker room. So we got to get in (the play-in), and then we got to play good basketball, win games. But we got to start winning to get there, (and) I think the guys know that. And I think the mindset and the fight, in the first quarter, wasn\u2019t where it needs to be.\u201d<\/p>\n

Even given how poorly the Suns have played for most of the season, they are just 1.5 games behind the Dallas Mavericks<\/a> in the standings. The Mavericks, who have lost 10 of their last 12 games, are continuing to fall. However, they could get Anthony Davis<\/a> back by the end of the month. Regardless, the Suns’ postseason dream is not over just yet.<\/p>\n

Mike Budenholzer Makes Phoenix Suns’ Goal Crystal Clear<\/h2>\n

Mike Budenholzer’s Recent Interaction With Star Player Was Heated<\/h3>\n

Against the Lakers, Budenholzer and Suns forward Kevin Durant<\/a> had their second heated interaction<\/a> within the last couple of weeks. After the first interaction, Durant clarified and made it clear that he and Budenholzer have a good relationship.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe allows me as a player on the team, a veteran on the team, to voice my opinion. If we both didn\u2019t care, we would never have stuff like that, you know what I\u2019m saying? So I\u2019m glad that the win is going to sweep all of that stupid stuff under the rug. Because people couldn\u2019t wait. Even some people in Phoenix, in here, couldn\u2019t wait to run with that and say, \u2018This is the reason why the team ain\u2019t playing well, because of that specific thing. But come on, man, that shows that me and Bud really care about trying to right this ship and trying to win basketball games.\u201d<\/p>\n

Furthermore, after the loss to the Lakers, Budenhozler shared the same sentiment.<\/p>\n

\n

“He’s always pushing us to win. He’s always pushing us to be better.”<\/p>\n

Mike Budenholzer on Kevin Durant outburst during Suns loss to Lakers. #Suns<\/a> #LakeShow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/aRxBIFKu5H<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 16, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n