Suns rookie Ryan Dunn blocks LeBron James in win over Lakers

Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn was a nuisance for Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James throughout Monday’s 109-105 win at Footprint Center.

Dunn, who has said James was a childhood hero of his, chased the future Hall of Famer through screens to contest shots, evening blocking him at the rim while playing help defense. That is a moment the rookie is unlikely to forget.

On another play, Dunn fought through a screen and drew a James spin into traffic, causing James to lose the ball and forcing a 24-second violation.

Great help defense by #Suns rookie Ryan Dunn, who blocks LeBron James & nearly retains possession: @Sports360AZ @Almighty_ry3 #NBA #NBATwitter #Lakers pic.twitter.com/Q0OlDXUbcM

— Eliav Gabay (@eliavgabay) October 29, 2024

James was held to 11 points on 3-for-14 shooting in the loss. He was a minus-17 on the floor after dropping 32 points in his last game on Saturday.

Dunn played 15 minutes off the bench in his fourth career NBA game, and he was immediately impactful with seven points, a rebound, a steal and a blocked shot. He has stepped up to the challenge against some of the game’s best players already after facing Luka Doncic and the Mavericks over the weekend.

He and Royce O’Neale were key defensively coming off the bench.

Look at Ryan Dunn, man. Just chasing around LeBron like crazy through screens. Rejecting potential switches like “No, I got this.” Awesome.

(I’m only through two quarters but I think PHX has been the best of LA’s opponents defensively at point of attack and bumping off-ball.) pic.twitter.com/RPwc8TGgVT

— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) October 29, 2024

Two of Dunn’s points came in transition on a smooth Euro-step to the cup for the reverse layup, which had Kevin Durant on the bench mimicking the motion.

RYAN DUNN WITH THE EURO pic.twitter.com/l8S7SxMcIs

— Cage (@ridiculouscage) October 29, 2024

Suns complete comeback vs. Lakers

The Suns had to come back from an 18-point deficit in the first quarter to get the win on Monday, giving Los Angeles its first loss. Both teams are 3-1.

Devin Booker scored 33, while Durant added 30. The bench unit with Dunn, O’Neale and Mason Plumlee stepped up on both ends, including the boards, with the Suns trailing to assist the comeback.

The Suns also blocked 11 shots on Monday and stole the ball seven times. Durant blocked four shots, while O’Neale added another pair.

Anthony Davis led Los Angeles with 29 points.

James intentionally missed his second free throw in the closing seconds while down two points, but the Suns came away with the ball to finish the job.

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