Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn is already turning heads, proving his worth on both ends of the court in the team’s recent matchup against the Denver Nuggets. Known for his defensive prowess, Dunn came out firing, contributing 20 points, 2 steals, 3 blocks, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, all while holding his own against veterans like Russell Westbrook and MVP Nikola Jokic. Dunn’s performance even earned him a post-game shoutout from Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer, who praised the rookie’s hunger for tough matchups, saying, “He wants to take the challenge of the best players every night.”
Despite a rocky defensive season last year, the Suns see promise in Dunn’s potential to fill the gap left by Mikal Bridges. Averaging 2.3 blocks and 1.3 steals per game during his sophomore year at Virginia, where he built his reputation as a “defensive playmaker” with a 7-1 wingspan, Dunn was dubbed one of the best in his draft class. That reputation now has his Suns teammates, including Bradley Beal, rallying behind him. Beal made it clear that the team is eager to put Dunn to the test, saying, “He’s gonna guard their best player probably 10 times out of 10… that’s how he’s gonna get paid to be around this league for a long time.”
After blocking a shot from Westbrook and sinking a memorable three-pointer over Jokic, Dunn’s confidence is on full display, and Suns fans have reason to believe he might be the defensive anchor they’ve needed. With Phoenix’s defensive rating slipping over recent seasons and a disappointing playoff showing, the hope is that Dunn’s defensive intensity can help turn things around. As he gains experience and racks up stats, it’s clear the Suns rookie is on a path to becoming a force to be reckoned with. Could Dunn be the defensive game-changer Phoenix needs to make a serious title run this season? Let us know your thoughts!
