Jan 16, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) handles the ball as Washington Wizards forward Kyshawn George (18) defends during the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Since being drafted with the No. 28 pick, Ryan Dunn has been nothing short of remarkable for the Phoenix Suns with his impact on both ends of the floor.
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Whether it is his persistence on defense or his gradual improvement on offense, Dunn has jumped into a major role for Phoenix right away and taken advantage of his opportunities.
Against the Washington Wizards on Thursday, the 22-year-old recorded his first-ever double-double in the NBA with career-highs in points (18) and rebounds (11). His previous highs in those stats were 16 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 31, 2024, and six rebounds on Nov. 18, 2024, vs. the Orlando Magic.
When speaking to Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic, Dunn talked about gladly contributing to the team and helping the Suns get a much-needed victory.
“It’s great,” Dunn said. “A career-high in everything. Just give glory to God to come out and compete. Trying to step up and get a bounce-back win after Atlanta. It was good having this win and on to the next one.”
“Trying to step up and get a bounce back win.”
Rookie Ryan Dunn on 1st career double-double 18 points, 11 rebounds in Suns win at Wizards.
Conscious effort on boards after just one rebound in loss at Hawks.
On crossover, layup on Corey Kispert: “Just continuing to grow.” #Suns pic.twitter.com/dqIBNu1v6W
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 17, 2025
After just one rebound against the Atlanta Hawks in a 122-117 on Tuesday, Dunn revealed that Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer and he had a conversation about making adjustments in that part of his game.
“That’s kinda something me and Bud talked about. Crashing the offensive glass, trying to get rebounds,” Dunn said. “Having more rebounds is not new to me, and something I should be doing for this team. I felt like I wasn’t helping the team, so trying every game from now on to be aggressive.”
Taking over at the small forward position in the starting lineup for Bradley Beal, his offensive output over the past four games has shown that he can shoot as well as guard against some of the top players in the NBA. In seven of the last 10 games for Phoenix, Dunn has scored 10-plus points.
Helping the Suns battle for a play-in spot being 20-20, Dunn’s two-way versatility will be crucial down the road as the season is about to reach the halfway mark.
Suns survive Wizards comeback, Ryan Dunn dominates with 1st NBA double-double
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Reporter Alec Cipollini covers the Phoenix Suns, Arizona Diamondbacks, ASU Athletics and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @AlecCipollini
