The Phoenix Suns needed a spark to reinvigorate their season, and they got it on Tuesday night when they took care of business at home, defeating James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers in a thrilling fashion to the tune of a 119-117 score.
But things did not get off to a good start for Kevin Durant and the Suns. In the first quarter, Durant and Phoenix head coach Mike Budenholzer were even caught on camera having a heated moment during a timeout. Budenholzer grabbed the former NBA Most Valuable Player’s arm before Durant pulled it away as the two continued their fiery exchange.
Kevin Durant and Mike Budenholzer exchange words. 👀
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) March 5, 2025
That interaction immediately drew plenty of wild reactions from fans on social media.
“yeah he lost that team completely, this is just sad, Bud is gonna get fired after this offseason.”
yeah he lost that team completely, this is just sad, Bud is gonna get fired after this offseason.
— JT SPECTOR (@JTSPECTOR) March 5, 2025
“KD is fed up with these clowns”
KD is fed up with these clowns
— KD’s Burner 🐐 (@KD_SZN7) March 5, 2025
“This isn’t too big of a deal, but knowing the culture issue in Phoenix, it’s definitely not a good look.”
This isn’t too big of a deal, but knowing the culture issue in Phoenix, it’s definitely not a good look.
— Zach “🅂🄲🄷🅄🅉” Schumaker (@_SchuZ_) March 5, 2025
“Kevin durant will be traded and Mike fired”
Kevin durant will be traded and Mike fired
— Damish (@damish_1) March 5, 2025
“Bad deal when your players don’t even respect you”
Bad deal when your players don’t even respect you
— tyler (@TylerrBangham) March 5, 2025
Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant downplays heated moment with Budenholzer
Following the game, Durant, who scored 34 points on 10-for-22 shooting with seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks and a steal versus Los Angeles, explained that his exchange with Budenholzer was normal and not a sign of why things have not generally gone right for the Suns this season.
“That’s what usually happens when you don’t know dynamics of the relationship,” Durant said, per Tim MacMahon of ESPN. “You catch something on TV, you get a quote and now you pushing that narrative as if me and Bud don’t do that s— all the time. We [are] competitive as two individuals who want to see things done the right way, and sometimes my way ain’t the way that Bud want to do it and vice versa.”
The Suns improved to 29-33 after the win over Los Angeles, moving just three games behind the Dallas Mavericks for the 10th spot in the Western Conference.
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