With their 28th choice of the last Draft, the Suns had got their hands on Ryan Dunna winger out of Virginia.
Considered one of the best defenders of the vintage, he was only chosen at the end of the first round because his shooting limits were worrying for a player of 1m98, despite his wingspan (2m13). In two university seasons, he had only registered 12 3-point shots in total, out of 51 attempts. Or 23% success…
A total already equaled in four preseason games, with 12 successes on 27 3-point shots. That’s 44% success!
Against the Nuggets last night, while Mike Budenholzer had decided to leave his “Big Three” to rest, Ryan Dunn exploded, with 20 points at 6/11 from a distance, including the one that folded the match in the last minute .
Confidence and aggression that stand out from the rest
Not afraid to attack Nikola Jokic under the basket, or to draw off the dribble, his general intensity (4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 blocks, 2 interceptions) made an impression, while the Nuggets did not, however, poorly makes their holders play. But Mike Malone is still in the testing phase and is trying amazing combinations.
Result: a third defeat in three outings for the Nuggets (118-114) while Phoenix can rub their hands, provided that Ryan Dunn still confirms this sudden ability to put the game away.
“What I see is that he is not afraid of anything”explained Tyus Jones ahead of the meeting. “He takes his shots with full confidence, defends aggressively and doesn't back down. It’s huge, especially for a rookie.”
A confidence and aggressiveness that have also marked Mike Budenholzer since the start of the training camp.
“Since day one we have talked to him about how he will progress and develop here and we are very happy”explains the coach. “It won’t always be perfect. There is usually progress, then phases of stagnation or regression, before further progress. But he was very good. His ethics are extraordinary, his IQ, his willingness to listen – he just accepted everything we asked of him. »
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
