Mike Budenholzer's Emotional Return to Milwaukee: Reflecting on Bucks' Glory Amid Suns' Struggle

Budenholzer's Bittersweet Milwaukee Homecoming

In a high-stakes NBA showdown, Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer made his first return to Milwaukee since his 2023 firing after leading the Bucks to their 2021 championship. The emotional reunion came as his injury-plagued Suns fight to stay in postseason contention.

Championship Legacy vs. Present Reality

"It was five great years here," Budenholzer reflected postgame after Phoenix's 133-123 loss. The coach who delivered Milwaukee's first title in 50 years holds immense respect for his former organization despite the abrupt ending to his tenure following a shocking first-round playoff exit against Miami.

Key stats from Budenholzer's Bucks era:

• 271-120 regular season record (.693 winning %)
• 3x NBA best regular season records
• 2021 NBA Championship
• Developed Giannis Antetokounmpo into 2x MVP

The Bucks' Subtle Tribute

While no tribute video played, Milwaukee acknowledged their former coach with a "Welcome Back, Coach Bud" scoreboard message during the first timeout. Giannis Antetokounmpo expressed surprise at the understated recognition: "I felt like they should [show a video]." The Greek Freak noted the irony of now hearing Budenholzer complain about moves he once encouraged.

Suns' Playoff Hopes Dimming

The game carried heavy implications for both teams:

• Bucks: Cementing Eastern Conference standing
• Suns: Desperate to stop a 4-game skid without injured stars Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal

Critical Western Conference Standings:

1. Phoenix now trails 9th-place Dallas by 2 games
2. 1.5 games behind 10th-place Sacramento
3. Milwaukee's historic 68.9% FG shooting sealed the loss

"The basket was big for them tonight," Budenholzer conceded, though he praised his team's defensive effort against the scorching-hot Bucks offense, which posted the NBA's highest single-game shooting percentage since 1998.

What Comes Next

As Budenholzer transitions focus to salvaging Phoenix's season, the Milwaukee chapter remains foundational to his coaching legacy. The game highlighted how quickly NBA fortunes can change - from championship parades to fighting for play-in tournament survival in just two seasons.