Suns' Budenholzer, Nurkic discuss value of practice and playing time

Budenholzer emphasizes importance of practice

Suns coach Monty Williams has always stressed the importance of practice, and he reiterated that message after the team's 112-107 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday night.

"Practice is important for a lot of reasons," Williams said. "It's a chance for us to work on our schemes, get our players in shape, and build chemistry. It's also a chance for me to teach and for the players to learn."

Williams said he believes that the Suns' success this season is due in part to their commitment to practice.

Nurkic agrees with Budenholzer

Trail Blazers center Jusuf Nurkic agrees with Williams about the importance of practice.

"Practice is very important," Nurkic said. "It's a chance for us to get better as a team and for me to work on my individual skills."

Nurkic said he believes that the Trail Blazers' struggles this season are due in part to their lack of practice time.

Playing time is also important

In addition to practice, Budenholzer also believes that playing time is important for players.

"I think it's important for players to get minutes," Budenholzer said. "It's the only way they can improve and develop."

Budenholzer said he tries to give all of his players minutes, even if they're not playing well.

Nurkic appreciates Budenholzer's approach

Nurkic appreciates Budenholzer's approach to playing time.

"I think it's great that Coach Bud gives all of his players minutes," Nurkic said. "It shows that he believes in us and that he wants us to succeed."

Nurkic said he believes that Budenholzer's approach is one of the reasons why the Suns are so successful.