Bud’s Got Game: Grading the early returns on the Suns’ new head coach

After just 1 week of NBA basketball, Coach Budenholzer’s system is already making waves in The Valley. From tactical shifts to locker room vibes, here’s a look at how ‘Bud’s got game’ and how the Suns are playing it.

The first week of the 2024/25 season (4-1) has given us an early taste of the new era under Coach Mike Budenholzer. And there’s a lot to like. With fresh tactical shifts and a roster committed to a new vision, Suns fans are eager to see how Coach Bud (and his coaching team) continues to shape, guide, and orchestrate this talented squad.

What are we seeing?

How are we feeling?

Touching on five areas, we’ll assess Budenholzer’s early impact, where his strategies are already visible, and what it might mean for our season ambitions. Let’s briefly explore 5 key areas:

1. Tactical Adjustments
2. Player Development
3. Game-by-Game Analysis
4. Team Morale and Chemistry
5. Fan Reactions

We’ll let you be the judge as we ask, “Does Coach Bud make the grade?”

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Tactical Adjustments

From Day 1 interviews, Coach Budenholzer clarified the focus areas for Suns basketball. The pressing, the space, the threes, oh my!

With multiple successful coaches’ challenges and an approach to pulling key players early, Mike Budenholzer and the entire coaching team are enforcing a level of in-game detail and analysis that we, as Suns fans, can find refreshing.

What are we seeing on offense? Way more three-pointers taken—at a healthy rate—for starters. And, we’ll leave it up to our humble leader to keep you abreast of that specific area of the Suns’ game this year, here: TRACKING 40. However, it’s worth noting that the entire team is buying into this philosophy, as it continues looking for three-point opportunities every game. The team is averaging an impressive 38% (8th in the league) from beyond the arc, taking 150 threes (22nd) and hitting 57 of them (15th).

NOTE: This is ONLY 4 games played as of the pre-Clippers game, signaling how well Bud’s strategy could pay off for offense generated—add another 35+ attempts with a 5th game (as nine teams above them in three’s made have played five) today, and the Suns are skyrocketing up the team leader board in a category that is proving to be a strength for them this season.

With Bud’s tweaks, the pace has been consistent. Rather than laboring between getting out and running like Noah Lyles or slowing it down to a flat-lining heart rate, the Suns have been methodical, consistent, and maintained a workable flow—a “pace identity” that could be pivotal in close games. And the Clutch Stats bring this out.

The Suns have played the 2nd most CLUTCH MINUTES so far this season: 6.7, averaging 17.5 points in those 7 minutes. They hit the 2nd highest percentage at the FT line (94%) and the 7th best percentage (52.9%) inside the 3-point line. Most importantly, they are 2—0 (make that 3—0 as of this beat-down on the Clippers) in games that come down to Clutch Time definitions:

Clutch time is defined as minutes when the scoring margin is within 5 points with five or fewer minutes remaining in a game, and clutch record is a team’s win-loss record in games that include clutch minutes. ~ FiveThirtyEight

Essentially, whilst we might bristle at the thought that Nurk or KD are turning the ball over with disregard, when it comes to closing minutes and making the winning plays—this team is seeing success.

Coach Bud’s tactical adjustments will continue to be realized; whether that’s changing substitution patterns, fine-tuning specifics (such as plays for KD to get better shots heading towards the hoop), or general course correction mid-game, we’re seeing strong signals on how the tactical elements are playing out right now.

GRADE? B+

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Player Development

One of the biggest questions coming into the season was how Coach Bud would manage and elevate our roster’s potential. Last season, we embraced the notion that the Suns had assembled a deep roster. This season, we demanded it.

So far, there seem to be some early wins in player development.

Players like Royce O’Neale have embraced new roles, and Bud’s allocation of minutes has been thoughtful, ensuring everyone’s strengths are utilized while giving our up-and-comers chances to shine.

The focus on player improvement is apparent. Under Bud’s guidance, Ryan Dunn has already shown signs of developing consistency as an outside scoring threat, something no one truly expected. Bud’s rotation style might be making all the difference, allowing bench players more impactful minutes in critical game moments. This early adaptability could be a key factor in postseason success.

GRADE? B+

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Game-by-Game Analysis

It’s only been a handful of games, but each match has provided a snapshot of Bud’s adaptability in real time. From Game 1 through to Game 4, we saw him shift KD’s touch zones, forcing the ISO stuff to become the tertiary option—precisely what makes KD so lethal is when the ISO plays result after steady ball movement, pinch-cuts, and screen and drag plays that clear the middle of the floor up for him. As the week (and the games) rolled on, this focal point in the offense became more concentrated.

Though not every game has gone smoothly, Bud’s play-calling and strategic tweaks have generally kept the Suns competitive. For instance, that incredible turnaround in the third quarter against the Clippers today directly results from Bud’s game planning and on-the-fly adjustments. The results may be a mixed bag so far, but the signs are promising for more consistent performance as the season goes on. 4—1 feels great right now.

GRADE? B-

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Team Morale and Chemistry

The Suns’ locker room appears to be thriving under Coach Bud’s leadership. Compared to last season’s sometimes tense dynamics, an upbeat energy seems contagious. Early reports from training camp hinted at a stronger team bond, and in post-game interviews, players have commented on the positivity Coach Bud brings to each interaction.

However, it is the bond—that we’re blessed to experience in real-time—developing with Ryan Dunn and the likes of Royce O’Neale and Kevin Durant, particularly, that exemplifies the depth of true chemistry developing this season.

It’s also visible in how the team interacts on the bench and during timeouts—there’s a cohesion that hasn’t always been consistent in past seasons.

It’s great to see teammates have each other’s back, too!

For a team looking to go the distance, these bonds may be just as critical as on-court performance.

GRADE? A-

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Fan Reactions

Suns fans are always vocal, and reactions to Bud’s early games have been no exception. Social media buzzes with opinions on Bud’s tactical choices and the team’s new style. While there’s been some critique, especially when play gets sloppy, the overwhelming sentiment is excitement for what Bud could bring to the Suns’ postseason goals.

Some fans have already compared Bud’s approach to past Suns coaches, noting how refreshing it is to see a coach so willing to adjust and engage directly with player development. The broader league seems to be taking notice, as Budenholzer’s reputation brings an added layer of credibility to the Suns’ roster, one that could make Phoenix an even bigger threat this year.

Fans can sometimes get a little too high and a little too low—that’s our prerogative—but we still need to be measured in our reactions! It’s a long season.

How do I grade our fans?

GRADE? B-

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Closing Thoughts

If these first handful of games are any indication, Coach Budenholzer is bringing a valuable and much-needed new approach to the Phoenix Suns. Between his tactical adaptability, attention to player growth, and positive impact on team morale, Bud seems to have all the makings of a coach who can take this team far. Sure, it’s early days, but Suns fans have every reason to feel hopeful that this season could be a defining one – one where we finally see a team primed to go the distance.

#SunsUp