Phoenix Suns Coach Mike Budenholzer Makes Honest Kevin Durant Statement

Mike Budenholzer spoke about Kevin Durant.

Mar 16, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) leaves the court after the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

On Sunday afternoon, Kevin Durant and the Phoenix Suns lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in California by a score of 107-96.

Durant finished the loss with 21 points, nine rebounds and two assists while shooting 6/17 from the field and 2/7 from the three-point range in 37 minutes of playing time.

Kevin Durant showing his frustration during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/bkVqoFkHHR

— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 16, 2025

After the game, head coach Mike Budenholzer was asked about Durant.

Budenholzer (h/t Duane Rankin of azcentral): "He's always pushing us to win. He's pushing us to be better. Trying to figure out the spacing. Sometimes figure out the defensive... Are we putting two on the ball? And how we're rotating... We have to figure it out, we have to be better."

"He's always pushing us to win. He's always pushing us to be better."

Mike Budenholzer on Kevin Durant outburst during Suns loss to Lakers. #Suns #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/aRxBIFKu5H

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 16, 2025

Durant is averaging 26.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 blocks per contest while shooting 52.5% from the field and 41.4% from the three-point range in 55 games.

That said, the Suns are the 11th seed in the Western Conference with a 31-37 record in 68 games.

Via Skip Bayless: "The Los Angeles Lukas, without LeBron James, just ho-hummed Kevin Durant's Phoenix Suns, 106-97. KD's Suns play with no life, no urgency, no defense. A team with KD/Book/Beal is now 31-37. Coach Bud, coaching a dud, will be the first to go."

The Los Angeles Lukas, without LeBron James, just ho-hummed Kevin Durant's Phoenix Suns, 106-97. KD's Suns play with no life, no urgency, no defense. A team with KD/Book/Beal is now 31-37. Coach Bud, coaching a dud, will be the first to go.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) March 16, 2025

The Suns are 4-6 over their last ten games.

On the road, they have gone 12-24 in 36 games played away from Arizona.

Following the Lakers, the Suns will resume action on Monday night when they host the Toronto Raptors.

Mar 4, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer talks with Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) against the LA Clippers during the second half at PHX Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images / Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Durant has also spent time with the Nets, Thunder and Warriors over 18 years.