Mike Budenholzer threw everything at his former player Giannis Antetokounmpo in Phoenix Suns’ win over the Milwaukee Buck on Monday. Among them is Marquette Golden Eagles alum Oso Ighodaro who he thought has been making improvements.
Oso Ighodaro, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) and center Oso Ighodaro (4) celebrate after beating the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Guarding the Greek Freak, who still finished with 31 points, is no easy task. And it is also rare that a rookie like Ighodaro gets trusted to guard him.
Budenholzer is also not afraid of entrusting defense to his rookies Ighodaro and guard Ryan Dunn. He thought the duo answered the call.
“They have a ton of respect for veterans, but they have a desire to go after them and take the challenge, get into them and guard and earn people’s respect,” Budenholzer said after the game.
Mike Budenholzer, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer during the fourth quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“They’ve been doing it from the day they walked in the door.”
Ighodaro finished with four points while Ryan Dunn, who also had the biggest moment of the night by dunking on the Greek Freak, had 12 points and nine rebounds.
Oso Ighodaro is a great role player
Ighodaro started the season getting buried on the bench but he has grown into an indispensable off the bench guy lately.
Against the Bucks, his length and agility was utilized in late-game situations. He served as a screener for Devin Booker to prevent Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez from reaching his guard.
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Mar 14, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (4) against the Sacramento Kings at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Budenholzer though Ighodaro’s awareness in spacing was key to the win and that he has “natural instinct” when it comes to that part of the game.
“Correct spacing is probably not talked about enough. … When you’re in the right spot, it helps a lot.”
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