The Milwaukee Bucks have a big game Monday night in Phoenix, going up against a Suns team desperate to reach the play-in and salvage something from a disastrous season. At 34-37, they currently hold the 10-seed via tiebreaker over Dallas. As for Milwaukee, 40-30 and 5th in the East, a game behind the Pacers in 4th, every game matters for the right to home court advantage in a potential 4-5 first round matchup.
The Bucks and Pacers have been jousting for position for several months, taking turns in either slot. Moreover, the 6th-place Pistons sit just a game behind Milwaukee. If the Bucks slip even a little, they could incur a playoff path more challenging than necessary en route to the conference finals. Monday’s 10 PM tip (EST) is also dramatic for another reason. For the first time since his firing after the 2022-23 season, the Bucks will face Mike Budenholzer on the opposing sideline.
Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns
Jul 8, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer speaks to Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) during the second half in game two of the 2021 NBA Finals at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mike Budenholzer on the Brink with Phoenix Suns After Coaching Milwaukee Bucks to Ring
Under Budenholzer, Milwaukee’s 2021 championship was their first in fifty years, since the third season of the franchise. The next two seasons, though, the Bucks failed to reach the conference finals. Coach Bud was canned following 2023’s 4-1 first round loss to Miami. 43 games later, Milwaukee fired another coach, Adrian Griffin, despite a 30-13 start, and hired Doc Rivers.
To equal Budenholzer’s time at the helm (400 games, 2018-19 to ’23), Rivers (109) will have to stick around for at least three and a half more seasons.
Budenholzer took 2023-24 off from head coaching, then signed with the Suns after they fired their own ring-winning coach, ex-Lakers HC Frank Vogel, after a single season. Phoenix has had its own merry-go-round in recent years, firing Monty Williams and Vogel in consecutive seasons and Budenholzer already on the hot seat.
Milwaukee Bucks, Mike Budenholzer, Phoenix Suns
Apr 9, 2023; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Milwaukee Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer watches the action Toronto Raptors during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
The Suns have not improved on Vogel’s 49-33 mark achieved with an arguably thinner roster in 2023-24. If they can fight out of the play-in, however, and avoid a first-round sweep, like last season, Budenholzer can claim the more successful campaign and possibly save his job.
Vastly Altered Rosters, Expect Same Dominant Giannis
Against the Suns, Milwaukee will be without Damian Lillard, who is dealing with a calf injury, for the third straight game. He is projected to return Wednesday in Denver. Phoenix will be without Bradley Beal, his fourth consecutive absence. The Bucks are around 3-point underdogs as of Monday afternoon.
It is, of course, rather ironic that Budenholzer took his next coaching job with the franchise whose soul the Bucks took in the 2021 finals, coming back from 2-0 down. Aside from their respective franchise faces, neither team looks much at all like the groups that faced off four years ago.
Feb 10, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 10, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton are the only Bucks left from the title roster. On a roster completely transformed, and not for the better, since Matt Isbhia took over the franchise, Devin Booker is the sole remaining Sun.
For his part, Giannis has enjoyed considerable success against Booker and the Suns. His 50-piece in the decisive Game 6 of the finals will be forever etched into the record books. Without Lillard, the Bucks will lean on him for both scoring and playmaking. Against an undersized Phoenix team that struggles with physicality, Giannis should have ample opportunity to put his prints on this one.
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