PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns’ 109-91 loss to the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, unlike the first two, wasn’t a preseason contest they can really build on.

This preseason defensive performance will serve as an example of what they cannot do at any point this year. Detroit set a physical standard early and the Suns refused to match it.

It’s preseason. It’s okay. But we are also in the age of habit formation in a new system. And above all, this team will have no margin for error to have unfocused moments.

Detroit scored 40 points in the first quarter and then tied it at 81 with 6:16 left in the third period. While the Suns’ turnover numbers weren’t particularly high, the unforced errors were piling up, which again is a credit to the way the Pistons handled this rematch.

“Part of it was Detroit and I think defensively we need to be a little better,” Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer said. “We have to find ways to make it a little more difficult, and some ways may be smarter.”

There’s nothing worth doing other than calling it what it was and attributing it to the exhibitions. Expect a motivated response in Denver on Sunday, similar to what we saw in Detroit.

Devin Booker was sidelined due to soreness in his right ankle, an injury that Budenholzer said wasn’t worth it during the preseason. He expects Booker to be fine, but did not say whether Booker will play on Sunday.

Interestingly, rookie Ryan Dunn got the nod in his place. Grayson Allen didn’t play well (personal reasons) and the Phoenix staff probably wants Royce O’Neale to maintain a rhythm as a backup, with his presence as an interchangeable connector important.

If there had been a bet two weeks ago on whether Dunn would start in a rotational role, the smart money would have been on no. However, Dunn will continue to feature alongside the Suns’ star players in the preseason.

It’s not uncommon for first-year players to find their footing through bench-only lineups and even wasted time. That’s what Mikal Bridges did. However, Dunn is getting all of those minutes while still scattered with players like Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the first half.

“It’s huge,” Suns guard Tyus Jones said of Dunn’s chance to be a starter. “It’s a good opportunity for him. Even though it’s a preparation game, it’s still a good opportunity. Experience. The most valuable thing is the replays and the fact that you are on the court, getting protocols and getting live insights. I think it’s important for him and again we’re going to need him to continue to play well and have those experiences.”

Faith in Dunn is paying off so far. He’s shown that his shooting confidence has increased tremendously and has gone from being a hesitant long-range player to a guy who lets everything fly whenever he gets the chance. As expected, the defense is outstanding and has fantastic agility to be able to slide his feet and keep up with fast ballplayers who at first glance you would think could get past him. It’s impressive how he’s able to stay glued to someone over screens, and the Suns haven’t had many players with that ability in their long history.

Dunn outpointed Pistons defensive star Cade Cunningham on Tuesday and subdued him again on Friday.

The recovery is crazy for Ryan Dunn. Even if he is beaten, he is not. pic.twitter.com/RXiKqwteA1

— Mike Vigil (@protectedpick) October 12, 2024

Cunningham got stuck in the first few minutes, and after Dunn took a break, he made his next four shots.

There will be bumps in the road for Dunn. His lack of aggression and some shooting weaknesses will inevitably flare up in beginner hurdles that arrive on everyone’s doorstep. That showed slightly on Friday when he was 1 of 5 from 3 and was lost on offense a few times, but he stuck with it.

“Just keep competing,” Dunn said. “Like you said, my shot didn’t fall today, but that’s kind of the mentality where I’m still going to let it fly. Make it up to me on the other end.”

It’s worth watching what Phoenix does when these stumbling blocks arise, as they are a strong team with capable options elsewhere. Going with it is the best choice given the dire need for what Dunn does best, and that’s exactly why he’s already getting these opportunities.

Durant had a team-high 18 points and Beal added 17. Both played 24 minutes as Detroit extended its run with key players like Cade Cunningham, who played 31 minutes and finished with 25 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists on 10-0-16 shooting. Jaden Ivey scored 16 points and looked solid again. After an inconsistent Year 2 last season, the former top-five pick has a good year ahead.

The Suns scored 44 points on 3-point attempts, a margin of 22 in each half. Assists dropped to 22 after 33 and 30 in the first two preseason games.

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