Phoenix Suns Rookie Ryan Dunn Explains His Decision to Avoid Team Fight

The Phoenix Suns and Dallas Mavericks battled fiercely during a heated game that turned chaotic when Suns center Jusuf Nurkic and Mavericks forward Naji Marshall clashed. The altercation escalated into a brawl, leading to three players being ejected. Among the chaos, Suns rookie Ryan Dunn stood out for staying clear of the fight, a decision he later explained.

“I’m a rookie, I don’t got enough money to be getting fined $5,000, so I can’t throw a punch… It was just the heat of the moment,” Dunn joked to reporters.

Dunn’s practical decision reflected a desire to remain on the court while avoiding financial and disciplinary consequences. His rookie contract guarantees a $2.53 million base salary this season, a modest amount compared to veteran players’ earnings.

The NBA imposed penalties on the brawl’s instigators: Nurkic received a three-game suspension, Marshall four games, and Mavericks forward PJ Washington one game. This adds significant challenges for both teams as the Suns already grapple with injuries to star player Devin Booker. The Mavericks will also miss Marshall, a key player during Luka Doncic’s ongoing injury hiatus.

By avoiding the scuffle, Dunn highlighted his focus on playing responsibly and protecting his promising NBA career.