The Phoenix Suns are back on track after a solid 113-105 win over the Golden State Warriors, following a challenging loss to the Brooklyn Nets.
While the usual stars like Kevin Durant and Devin Booker provided their typical contributions, it was the defensive efforts of two rookies—Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro—that stood out in the victory. Although both players came off the bench and didn’t make significant offensive contributions, their defensive impact was crucial, earning praise from veteran Durant and head coach Mike Budenholzer.
In his post-game comments, Kevin Durant was quick to highlight the energy and aggressiveness that Dunn and Ighodaro bring to the team, particularly on the defensive end. “I think what they bring to our team is that energy and aggressiveness on defense,” Durant said. “That physicality on defense, and then challenges at the rim. I think that’s something that coach always emphasized to everybody—not just the bigs, but everybody—just to have a collision mindset at the rim where you just want to disrupt the play.”
Durant went on to emphasize how this defensive mindset is something the team has been working on, and it’s becoming second nature, particularly for the rookies. “We keep practicing that and keep building those habits. I think that would be second nature to us and you see it with Oso and Ryan. They just want to get on the court, so they’re going to do those little things for us. They set a high standard for themselves every night.”
Head coach Mike Budenholzer also acknowledged the contributions of Dunn and Ighodaro, singling out their defense as a standout factor in the win. “The defense stood out, but Oso gives us a facilitator, a motor on offense, who will keep things moving,” Budenholzer said. “He can get in and out of screens. I thought there was a big defensive rebound that Ryan got too. The blocked shots but the rebounding.”
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Budenholzer further expanded on the development of the young players’ defensive game. “As young guys, to lock in on, how are we playing the pick-and-rolls? How are we playing the pindowns? How are we playing everything? I think it was a really good night for those two guys to kind of see and feel the attention to detail.”
Devin Booker, another key figure for the Suns, also expressed his appreciation for Dunn and Ighodaro’s youthful energy and defensive prowess. “That’s that young energy,” Booker said, referring to the rookies’ tenacity. “They were all around the court blocking shots.” Booker recalled a particularly memorable defensive moment, saying, “I think there was one possession, it was like three blocks. The one that sticks out in my mind is Buddy Hield going backdoor—Ryan went and got it off the glass. You can’t teach that. Those are just straight instincts, athleticism, and they have both of those.”
The presence of Dunn and Ighodaro on the floor not only solidified the Suns’ defense but also injected a new level of athleticism and energy that contributed significantly to their overall performance. Their ability to disrupt plays and make timely defensive stops helped turn the momentum in the Suns’ favor, proving that their contributions extend beyond just scoring points.
As the season progresses, it’s clear that the Suns have found valuable assets in their rookie duo. While it’s easy to overlook bench players, Dunn and Ighodaro’s impact in this game shows that their defensive instincts are something to be reckoned with. If they continue to develop at this pace, they could become integral parts of the Suns’ rotation moving forward, providing not only depth but also a crucial defensive presence.
For now, the focus remains on their growth and how they continue to fit into the Suns’ system. With veterans like Durant, Booker, and the rest of the team setting the example, Dunn and Ighodaro are getting the experience they need to become reliable contributors. The team’s commitment to building a strong defensive identity is evident, and the rookies’ willingness to buy into that philosophy bodes well for the Suns’ future.
In a season where every win counts, it’s clear that the Suns’ rookies are doing their part to help the team achieve success. As the season unfolds, expect to see more moments where Dunn and Ighodaro make their presence felt, especially on the defensive end. Their hard work, energy, and commitment to improving have earned them the respect of their teammates and coaches, and they will undoubtedly continue to make an impact as the Suns aim for playoff contention.
Overall, this victory over the Warriors not only highlighted the Suns’ team efforts but also underscored the importance of having young players like Dunn and Ighodaro who are willing to step up and contribute in meaningful ways. Their performances are a sign of things to come, and the Suns’ defensive future looks brighter with each game. As the rookies continue to develop and refine their skills, their contributions could become a cornerstone of the Suns’ success this season.
