The Phoenix Suns were already getting stomped by the Los Angeles Lakers, but Kevin Durant made sure the drama wasn’t just about the scoreboard. Late in the first quarter, with the Suns down 25-11, Durant let loose on the sideline, getting into a heated exchange with head coach Mike Budenholzer during a timeout.

And this wasn’t some quiet, behind-the-scenes disagreement. Durant stood up, clearly frustrated, throwing his hands up as he made his point. The whole thing played out in front of everyone, and while the Suns never managed to recover in their 107-96 loss, the real story wasn’t about the game itself. It was about what’s really going on in Phoenix.

Of course, Budenholzer did his best to downplay it afterward. “He’s always pushing us to win. He’s pushing us to be better,” he said, brushing off any talk of tension.

But for Suns fans, this wasn’t just some ‘one-off’ moment of passion. This was yet another sign that something is off.

Budenholzer kept things diplomatic when reporters pressed him about Durant’s frustration. “He’s pushing himself. He’s pushing us. You know, he’s fighting through a lot,” he said. Then he pivoted back to the team as a whole. “We need a little bit more from everybody around him, we need a little bit more from him. We need a little bit more from me, we need to find a way to get it done. And we’re not right now.“

And that last part? That might just be the most honest thing Budenholzer has said all season. The Suns are not getting it done.

Durant put up 21 points but shot just 6-for-17 and turned the ball over five times. Devin Booker had 19 points but was practically invisible in the second half. Meanwhile, the Lakers—without LeBron James—got 33 points from Luka Doncic and 28 from Austin Reaves. The Suns? They shot a brutal 39.3% from the field and an even worse 22% from three.

But let’s be real—this isn’t just about a bad shooting night. It’s about Durant’s frustration boiling over in front of millions of people.

Durant’s Frustration Is Becoming a Pattern

This isn’t just some isolated moment of frustration. It’s becoming a full-blown trend.

A few weeks ago, Durant was caught brushing off Budenholzer during a timeout against the Clippers. Before that, he and Chris Paul got into it during a game against the Pelicans, both earning technicals. Then there was the Memphis game, where he had a tense exchange with Cam Spencer. And after the Clippers’ comeback win, his postgame comments made it clear—he’s tired of the inconsistency.

The pattern is impossible to ignore. Durant isn’t just frustrated for the sake of it. He’s looking around and seeing a team that isn’t playing up to its potential. And when you’re one of the best players in the world, that’s maddening.

Phoenix is running out of time. Every game matters as the playoff race heats up, but what’s even more concerning is whether this team can actually hold it together when emotions are running this high.

Mike Budenholzer can try to keep things calm, but Kevin Durant’s frustration is loud and clear. And when a team’s chemistry starts cracking, it rarely fixes itself overnight.

The real question isn’t just about Durant’s desire to win—it’s whether the Suns are built to make it happen. Right now? The signs aren’t looking good.