Ryan Dunn Shines in Rising Stars as Suns Advance to Championship

San Francisco, CA – Phoenix Suns rookie Ryan Dunn had a standout performance during the NBA Rising Stars tournament, helping Team C clinch a spot in the championship match. The event took place on February 14, 2025, at the Chase Center, where Team C triumphed over Team T with a final score of 40-34.

Dunn, who scored two points and provided three assists in the semifinal game, played a key role in his team’s success. The semifinal was formatted such that the first team to reach 40 points would advance. Dunn showcased his skills, connecting with forward Dalton Knecht for an easy basket following an impressive assist, which he secured by backing down Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski into the paint.

“From the Phoenix Suns, number 0… RYAN DUNN!” the announcer declared as he entered the game.

His team, coached by NBA legend Chris Mullin, secured their place in the finals after defeating Team T, which was led by honorary coach Tim Hardaway. Team C’s next challenge will be against Team Shaq, featuring All-Star player Kevin Durant, who has been a significant player for the Suns this season.

The Rising Stars final was played to a reduced target of 25 points rather than the 40 points used previously in semifinal matches. In this faster-paced game, Team C showcased strong teamwork, advancing primarily due to influential plays by their star guards.

In the prior semifinal, the other winner, Team G League, narrowly defeated Team M with a last-minute shot by Bryce McGowens, finishing with a score of 40-39. Dunn’s journey to this point has been notable as he became the 12th Suns player to participate in the Rising Stars challenge, the first since Deandre Ayton in 2020. Dunn’s performance this season has him averaging 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 0.9 assists over 49 games.

Dunn’s contributions come at a critical juncture for a Suns team battling for playoff positioning. Despite his limited offensive opportunities recently, with fewer than 15 minutes played in five of their last six games, his impact during the Rising Stars events highlights his potential.

Looking ahead to the championship matchup, Dunn expressed excitement at the prospect of facing off against superstar Durant. “It’s gonna be fun, get some good bump up and down, and then hopefully end up winning that game,” Dunn told reporters ahead of the tournament’s finale.

The Suns currently have an overall record of 26-28 and aim to increase their standing in the competitive Western Conference, where they sit on the edge of a play-in spot. Team C, rebranding themselves as Candace’s Rising Stars for the remainder of the All-Star tournament, is prepared to take their shot at the title against Shaquille O’Neal’s team on Sunday night.