Suns Lose Defensive Anchor Ryan Dunn to Wrist Injury Ahead of Matchup With Spurs

The Phoenix Suns will be shorthanded once again as they prepare to face the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, with rookie wing Ryan Dunn ruled out due to a right wrist sprain. Dunn suffered the injury during Friday’s dramatic win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, a game that saw the first-year Suns forward leave his feet for a highlight dunk attempt over Rudy Gobert before landing awkwardly.

Though Dunn quickly regained his footing and finished the possession with two made free throws, Phoenix’s medical staff later confirmed the sprain, prompting the team to sideline him for precautionary reasons. His absence adds to a growing list of unavailable players that has tested Phoenix’s depth for much of the early season.

The Suns are already managing injuries to Jalen Green, Grayson Allen, and rookie Rasheer Fleming, forcing the coaching staff to dig deeper into its bench and adjust defensive assignments. Losing Dunn, widely regarded as the team’s best perimeter defender, heightens the challenge as Phoenix navigates a back-to-back set.

Despite the injuries, Phoenix enters Sunday’s contest with renewed confidence after Friday’s thrilling finish, punctuated by a Collin Gillespie game-winning shot. The Suns will now try to maintain that momentum while managing significant gaps in their rotation.

1. Dunn’s Injury and Its Immediate Impact

Dunn’s injury came during a moment that electrified the home crowd. His attempt to throw down a dunk over Gobert showcased the athleticism that has quickly endeared him to Suns fans. Though the play fell short, the attempt embodied the energy and physicality he brings to Phoenix’s defense and transition game. After the initial scare, Dunn remained on the floor and contributed through the remainder of the win. Still, swelling and discomfort persisted afterward, leading team trainers to diagnose the sprain. Phoenix opted to rest him given the quick turnaround before Sunday’s game. The loss is particularly notable because of Dunn’s role as the Suns’ most reliable on-ball defender. His ability to switch across multiple positions, guard elite scorers, and rebound from the wing has been central to Phoenix’s evolving defensive identity. Without him, Phoenix will need to rely more heavily on secondary defenders and adjust matchups to compensate for his absence, particularly in transition defense and perimeter containment.

2. A Growing Injury List for Phoenix

Dunn joins a group of key Suns players already out of the lineup, adding stress to a rotation that has been in constant flux. Jalen Green remains sidelined, Grayson Allen continues to recover, and Rasheer Fleming has been unavailable, leaving Phoenix without multiple contributors on both ends of the floor. The inconsistencies in personnel have forced head coach Mike Budenholzer to spread out responsibilities. Younger players have seen increased roles, and veterans have logged heavier minutes than originally planned. The team has responded admirably at times, highlighted by Friday’s improbable, last-second win over Minnesota. Collin Gillespie’s game-winner offered a reminder of Phoenix’s resilience, even as the roster continues to cycle through absences. Still, Dunn’s removal from the lineup tightens the margins further, especially given his defensive presence. San Antonio is shorthanded as well, missing Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle, and Jordan McLaughlin. While that may lessen the immediate challenge, it does not eliminate the strain placed on a Suns team navigating multiple setbacks.

3. Managing Dunn’s Recovery and What Comes Next

The Suns have emphasized precaution with several players this season, most notably Mark Williams, whose minutes have been carefully managed following previous injuries. Dunn’s situation appears less serious, given that he completed Friday’s game, but Phoenix remains intent on avoiding unnecessary risks. Dunn’s role—switching defensively, rebounding aggressively, and applying constant pressure on opposing scorers—demands heavy physical engagement. Resting him for at least one game during a back-to-back helps reduce the chance of aggravating the injury. Facing a depleted Spurs lineup offers the Suns additional justification for taking a conservative approach. The team remains optimistic that Dunn’s sprain will not affect his availability for an extended period, though the final decision for Monday’s matchup against the Houston Rockets will depend on how his wrist responds over the next 24 hours. Phoenix’s hope is that Dunn’s absence remains short-lived, allowing him to return quickly to a role that has become crucial to the team’s defensive structure.