The Phoenix Suns won 120-113 fair and square against the Charlotte Hornets. However, the outcome might not have been what it appears on your screen had Bradley Beal not made a bold decision during the game. The decision that went directly against head coach Mike Budenholzer’s instructions.

After the victory, the media followed Beal to get some details on what had happened during the game. Before revealing the cold moment, the swingman said, “He’ll probably be mad I’m sharing this,” referring to Budenholzer, and continued, “I gave him an ugly look at, like, a 4-minute mark.” Wait, why would he do that? “Because he was about to take me out and then I took it out of his hands again,” Beal confessed.

Whatever that look was, it sure worked, as Beal stayed on the hardwood for nearly 35 minutes last night. But his contribution wasn’t quite enough. Beal finished with 15 points, along with 3 rebounds and 6 assists.

There have been plenty of rumors circulating about the franchise’s stance on Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic, with reports suggesting they’re planning to trade them. The Phoenix center has already been benched for the past two games, with Budenholzer citing that he’s experimenting with different player combinations. Instead of the 7-footer, Mason Plumlee seems to be fitting better into his plan. Seems like he was doing the same with Beal.

Beal has a no-trade clause in his contract, which has created more complications for the organization. The franchise had reportedly planned to trade the 31-year-old to bring Jimmy Butler on board. But that move has been hindered by Beal’s restrictive clause. While all this drama is unfolding, the team’s ace, Kevin Durant, strictly denied any issues in the locker room.

Kevin Durant reveals locker room scenes dismissing drama surrounding Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic

Outsiders can sense the tension in the Phoenix camp, with the spotlight on Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic. However, Durant addressed the situation in the postgame press conference, saying, “The vibes always been good to me. From the outside lookin’ in, it’s tough cuz we losing, but for the most part, everybody’s coming in, trying to figure stuff out, working hard, coming in here with energy, enthusiasm for the game of ball.”

Despite all the efforts KD put into convincing everyone that there is no negativity in the locker room, there are certain speculations that suggest otherwise. Then, he shifted the focus to the game against the Hornets and how the team could come together to secure the win at Footprint Center.

After a bumpy start to the new year, the Suns have managed to secure three straight wins. Whether they can maintain the streak or if the tensions will eventually affect their performances again remains to be seen.