Phoenix Suns star Kevin Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer played down their heated exchange during Tuesday’s 119-117 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The two had a passionate discussion in the first quarter, but Durant later dismissed any controversy, taking aim at media narratives.
“That’s what usually happens when you don’t know the dynamics of a relationship,” Durant said. “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 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,” he explained. “He allows me as a player on the team, a veteran on the team, to voice my opinion. If we both didn’t care, we would never have stuff like that.
“So, I’m glad that the win is going to sweep all of that stupid stuff under the rug because people couldn’t wait,” Durant added. “Even some people in Phoenix, in here, couldn’t wait to run with that and say, ‘This is the reason why the team ain’t 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.”
Durant, who finished with 34 points (10-22 FG), seven rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks, played a crucial role in the Suns’ comeback. The team trailed by 23 points in the third quarter and entered the fourth down 95-76 before Durant took over, scoring 19 points in the final period to secure the victory.
Despite the win, the exchange between Durant and Budenholzer remained a major talking point, frustrating the 15-time All-Star. He wished cameras would highlight the positive moments between him and his coach as well.
“I wish they cut to that and slow-mo that, when me and him come to a solution together and we’re smiling on the bench and we’re tapping each other on the chest and slapping hands hard,” Durant said. “I wish they would post that on Instagram and Twitter and say, ‘Wow, this is leadership right here.'”
A camera did catch Durant and Budenholzer making amends after their argument, with the coach tapping his star player on the chest before walking away.
Durant lamented that negativity always garners more attention but made it clear that similar heated moments would happen again without indicating any real issues. Budenholzer also reiterated postgame that their relationship remains strong.
“He and I are like old friends or whatever, we’re always probably grabbing and talking to each other,” Budenholzer said. “I thought actually his energy and his voice tonight was great. I think there was some kind of offensive play. He wanted something, I wanted something, and it’s the beauty of basketball.”
We’ll have to take their word for it. However, this is now the second time in a few days that a Suns star has had to clarify things regarding Budenholzer. Before Sunday’s game against the Timberwolves, Devin Booker also dismissed rumors of a strained relationship with the coach.
With the Suns struggling this season, speculation has been swirling. Following their win over the Clippers, they now hold a 29-33 record and will face the Denver Nuggets next at Ball Arena on Friday at 10 PM ET.
