Lineup Bombshell in Phoenix: Mike Budenholzer Explains Stunning Suns’ Shakeup
Ahead of their 34th game of the season, a road game against the Philadelphia 76ers, coach Mike Budenholzer and the Phoenix Suns made a drastic change in the starting lineup.
The change comes amid a four-game losing streak, sending All-Star guard Bradley Beal and center Jusuf Nurkic to the bench to be replaced by rookie wing Ryan Dunn and longtime backup center Mason Plumlee.
“Feel like we needed to make a change,” Budenholzer said ahead of their game against the 76ers. “Throughout a 48-minute game, you got to figure out your best combinations, your best ways to try to have success. They’re two important players to us, two very good players.”
After starting the season 8-1, injuries to seemingly every player on the roster sent the Suns spiraling down the Western Conference standings, dropping from tied for first to the No. 12 seed.
Not only have injuries ravaged the Big Three of Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, but when they share the floor they are underperforming at a concerning rate.
Although moving Beal to the bench seems like more of a political move considering the reports of him being involved in a trade with disgruntled Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, the Suns coach affirms that it is simply a different look for a struggling team.
“This is a real decision,” Budenholzer said. “Life in the NBA and life in general. I don’t think you should ever paint yourself into corners, but this is what we plan to do. Continue to evaluate but I wouldn’t turn this into a day-to-day type thing.”
