Ryan Dunn’s Rise: The Defensive Spark the Suns Didn’t Know They Needed
When the Phoenix Suns took the floor against the Los Angeles Lakers, they were already facing an uphill climb. Devin Booker, the team’s offensive engine, was limited to just 10 minutes due to a lingering groin issue.
But what could’ve been a deflating blow turned into a showcase for someone else - Ryan Dunn. And if he wasn’t already on your radar, he should be now.
Dunn didn’t just step in - he stepped up. From the opening quarter, it was clear this was going to be his kind of night.
That first-quarter putback dunk wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment - it was a statement. It set the tone for what became a gritty, high-energy performance that helped fuel a much-needed Suns win.
Let’s be clear: Dunn isn’t here to fill up the box score. He’s here to disrupt, to defend, to bring the kind of edge that doesn’t always show up in numbers - but absolutely shows up in the win column.
Against a Lakers squad that still boasts plenty of firepower, Dunn was relentless on the offensive glass and made life difficult for anyone he matched up with, including Luka Dončić. Now, nobody’s truly stopping Dončić, but Dunn’s length and discipline meant he bit on fewer fakes and stayed in more plays than most.
That kind of defensive presence is something Phoenix has quietly needed. The Suns are already a top-half defensive team, giving up 113.2 points per game.
But when Dunn is on the floor, that number dips to 109.4 - a meaningful drop that speaks volumes about his impact. He’s not just a body out there; he’s a difference-maker.
And here’s the thing - he’s no longer the offensive liability he once was. Dunn’s jumper still isn’t where it needs to be, but he’s found other ways to contribute.
He’s crashing the glass, making smart passes out of offensive rebounds, and staying active off the ball. He’s evolving.
He’s not just surviving his minutes - he’s thriving in them.
Right now, the Suns are walking a tightrope with their rotation. When Jalen Green returns and Grayson Allen is fully healthy, minutes will be harder to come by.
But Dunn’s performance against the Lakers made one thing clear: he’s earned a consistent role. Maybe not as a starter - not yet - but as a closer in the right matchups?
That conversation is absolutely on the table.
Think of him like a defensive specialist with a green light to cause chaos. He’s not Jonathan Isaac - they’re very different players - but there’s a similar vibe in how a coach can deploy him.
You don’t need 35 minutes of Ryan Dunn. You need the right 20-25 minutes, in the right moments, and he can swing a game with his energy, instincts, and toughness.
And that fits perfectly with the culture head coach Jordan Ott is building in Phoenix. This isn’t about one star carrying the load - it’s about next man up, and Dunn is embracing that role with everything he’s got.
The Suns didn’t plan for Ryan Dunn to be a key piece this early. But here he is, making winning plays, locking in on defense, and proving that sometimes the best surprises are the ones you didn’t see coming.