There’s no denying what’s obvious this season: the Phoenix Suns are struggling, and there’s little coach Mike Budenholzer has been able to do to stop it.
Playing the Minnesota Timberwolves for the third time this season, the Suns — led by star players Devin Booker and Kevin Durant — have lost every game against the team. NBA fans, however, haven’t shied away from calling out Budenholzer, blaming him for the team’s 116-98 loss.
NBA Fans Want Mike Budenholzer Fired as Phoenix Suns Suffer Another Loss vs Timberwolves
"There's really no explanation."
Mike Budenholzer when asked how can the Suns lose a game like this when every game is a must-win to make the postseason.
On how Suns closed the game: "We're down at a point, 15, 17. Just sloppy. Careless." #Suns pic.twitter.com/ffXBz3Czwt
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 3, 2025
Speaking to the press postgame, Budenholzer accepted the team’s flaws, saying, “There’s really no explanation…We’re down at a point, 15, 17. Just sloppy. Careless.”
Not only was this supposed to be an easier game, but also crucial for them to clinch a playoff spot.
And while the coach is accepting of their mistakes, fans were quick to relay their decision.
With Durant and Booker embarrassed of their team’s performance, many fans seem to have offered up a seemingly obvious solution: firing coach Bud.
“Bud is not a serious coach. This is pathetic,” one fan wrote.
Most users, though, wanted Mike Budenholzer to part ways with the team.
“Enough is enough. Fire Coach Bud. This is beyond disgusting @Mishbia15 why are we waiting another 20 games to move on? This is pathetic. Our team looks completely defeated,” another user added.
“Coach Bud gotta go bro. Ryan Dunn not getting the Anthony Edward’s matchup is a sign of brain rot,” one fan wrote.
One fan, who wanted it done midseason, wrote: “I’m usually not one in favor of firing coaches midseason… but the Suns should be firing Coach Bud TONIGHT. I don’t even expect that to actually change anything whatsoever, but there is literally nothing to lose at this point.”
You always don’t take care of the ball, brother can’t coach. The team can’t get rid of these turnovers, it’s why they keep losing so many of these games
— T-moses⚽️🏀 (@tmostunna) March 3, 2025
Another Suns fan, worried about their locker room, commented: “I’m usually not a proponent of firing the coach, but in this case, Bud is not working. It’s killing our locker room along with other things”
“Coach Bud and staff ruining the team,” one fan noted.
Devin Booker Addressed Lingering Rumors About Feud With Budenholzer
Last month, NBA reporter Chris Haynes hinted at a possible rift between Booker and coach Bud. The star guard was reportedly ‘too vocal’, with the coach complaining about him.
Devin Booker on Chris Haynes report that Mike Budenholzer told him to "tone done" his voice and that Booker was shocked by it: "Nah, Coach said it, too. We've had multiple conversations. I can't seem to find one that sticks out more than the others. It's a player/coach… pic.twitter.com/FOGpXH37sN
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) March 2, 2025
Booker, during a shootaround on Sunday, defended their relationship as he said: “We’ve had multiple conversations. I can’t seem to find one that sticks out more than the others. It’s a player/coach relationship.”
“When things start going bad, everybody tries to point fingers to find out what’s wrong. People are going to come up with stuff. The relationship is great. We’re on the same page, we’re trying to win, and that’s that.”
Though the Suns continue to struggle at 11th place in the West (28-33), the team seems to be sticking together, regardless of fans’ opinions.
The Suns are slated to face the LA Clippers on March 4 at their home arena, Footprint Center.
