The Phoenix Suns are facing off against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon, and things have not gotten off to a great start, as they allowed the Lakers to build a 20-point lead in the first quarter. It's continued a stretch of things not going the Suns' way, and it led to a heated argument between Kevin Durant and Mike Budenholzer.
Tensions have been high in Phoenix for much of the season, as the team has failed to meet expectations all year long. Things have gotten even worse since the trade deadline after it was revealed that the Suns tried to trade Durant back to the Golden State Warriors, only for him to nix the deal at the last moment.
"I don't feel like there was a need to make that big a change right now," Durant said on "The Draymond Green Show with Baron Davis" when explaining his decision. "It didn't make sense to me."
Durant wanting to stay in Phoenix would seemingly be a good thing, but it's clear that not everyone is on the same page right now. That was never more clear than early on in this game against the Lakers, as Durant was seen directing some words to Budenholzer on the sideline during an animated conversation.
Kevin Durant showing his frustration during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/bkVqoFkHHR
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) March 16, 2025
Even though Durant has played superb individual basketball for the Suns this year, averaging 26.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game on 52.8% shooting from the floor, it hasn't resulted in many wins for Phoenix. Heading into this game against L.A., Phoenix's record was 31-36, good for only 11th place in the Western Conference.
Durant has struggled early against the Lakers, though, hitting just one of his first seven shots, which is a big reason why the Suns have faced a double-digit deficit for the majority of this game so far. They will have their work cut out for them when it comes to attempting to pull off a rally against the LeBron James-less Lakers.
Related: Kevin Durant's Response to Skip Bayless Criticism Turns Heads
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This story was originally published March 16, 2025 at 3:36 PM.