The Phoenix Suns showcased teamwork and ball control, Jusuf Nurkic stepped up, and rookie Ryan Dunn impressed in his first career start, all contributing to their 114-102 home opener victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
The night began with a tribute to the late Al McCoy, the iconic “Voice of the Suns.” Phoenix (now 2-1) rebounded strongly from their Friday loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, where they squandered a 22-point lead. Despite a 40-point performance from Luka Doncic, the Suns led by as much as 15 and ultimately prevailed over Dallas (1-1), playing their third game in four days.
The Suns displayed improved ball movement, tallying 26 assists and limiting turnovers to 11, a big improvement after turnovers plagued their previous games. Kevin Durant reached a significant milestone with 29,010 career points, joining the NBA’s exclusive 29,000-point club with 31 points and nine rebounds. Devin Booker contributed 21 points, hitting 11 of 12 free throws, while Nurkic recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds, bouncing back after a rough outing against the Lakers. Dunn, filling in for Bradley Beal, added 13 points in his debut start and took on the tough assignment of guarding Doncic.
Three Key Takeaways
1. Improved Ball Movement and Fewer Turnovers
The Suns committed 22 turnovers in their season opener and 17 in their second game. Head Coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized the importance of smarter decision-making before the game. His team responded, handling the ball with care and playing with greater purpose, using better screens and movement.
Point guard Tyus Jones contributed significantly, recording seven assists with no turnovers in 31 minutes. With Jones initiating plays, the Suns ran more structured offense, avoiding the tendency for players to become spectators when Durant or Booker led plays.
2. Jusuf Nurkic Bounces Back
After a disappointing showing against the Lakers, where he managed just four points and four turnovers in 18 minutes, Nurkic rebounded with a double-double on Saturday. He shot 7-of-12 and was more controlled in his play. He put together 12 straight points in the second quarter, helping the Suns lead 66-53 at halftime.
In the fourth quarter, Nurkic secured crucial rebounds and set up Dunn for a three-pointer, extending the Suns’ lead. He also blocked a shot from Naji Marshall, a call that was initially ruled a foul but overturned upon challenge, giving Phoenix possession late in the game.
Nurkic has been playing with a splint on his left middle finger after missing most of the preseason, yet showed resilience and improvement in other areas despite recording five turnovers.
3. Ryan Dunn’s Promising Debut
Ryan Dunn’s debut demonstrated his potential as a valuable role player for the Phoenix Suns, even as Bradley Beal is expected to reclaim his starting position. Dunn played assertively, displaying confidence on both ends of the court. Notably, he made a strong defensive statement, challenging a dunk attempt by Daniel Gafford and showing physical grit throughout. His presence guarding Luka Doncic helped lessen the defensive load on stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, showcasing Dunn’s role in the Suns’ rotation flexibility.
Royce O’Neale also contributed vital stability to the second unit, particularly with his hustle plays late in the third quarter, extending Phoenix’s lead. O’Neale’s defensive stop and tough drive just before the final quarter fueled the team’s momentum heading into the final stretch. At 6-foot-8, Dunn provides additional size and defensive versatility, especially valuable against formidable opponents like Doncic.
As Phoenix heads into a quick rematch against the Lakers, Dunn’s progress will be closely watched. While Beal’s return will solidify the starting lineup, Dunn’s development could make him an impactful player off the bench and a key asset as the Suns navigate the season.
