Game Recap: David Roddy excels as the Suns win a thriller, 100-99

The Phoenix Suns’ Summer League squad played its third game in Las Vegas, winning over the Summer Oklahoma City Thunder in an entertaining 100-99 win. It’s the first win for the Suns in Summer League play, moving them to 1-2 in Las Vegas

Ryan Dunn’s defense was highly impressive as he had 2 blocks and a steal, and while he only had 5 points, he did hit a three-pointer! David Roddy, who scored 21 points, made a clutch three-pointer late followed by three free throws that sealed the game. Oso Ighodaro had 5 points and 8 rebounds, while Isaiah Wong (18 points), Boo Buie (16 points), Michael Devoe (16 points), and Jalen Bridges (11 points), combined for 61.

Phoenix outscored Oklahoma City 29-21 in the fourth to come from behind for the victory.

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Game Flow

The Suns who have are interest all contributed early. Ryan Dunn athletically navigated the lane to generate an and-one opportunity (he missed the free throw). David Roddy, who hasn’t overly impressed me in Summer League, netted a pair of three-pointers early. Oso Ighodaro went right off the dribble and finished at the cylinder. All were good signs — minus the free throw miss — for players who will certainly have playing time with Phoenix this season.

Roddy continued his quality play with an off-ball cut resulting in an easy two. Dang. Roddy’s making me change my mind. He had 8 of the Suns' first 15 points, starting 3-of-5 from the field.

Oso looked much better on the boards, snagging three rebounds early. He had only 1 in the Suns' loss to the Pacers on Tuesday.

We witnessed some pick-and-roll action with Dunn and Ighodaro as they were working on developing on-court chemistry. It didn’t result in any points, but the pass was crisp. Oso’s push shot? Not so much. But experimenting with getting Oso off the role was a clear point of focus for Phoenix.

Phoenix appeared to display the comfort that comes with games played together, as the ball moved around much more than we’d seen in the first two games. The passes' accuracy still needs development, but that’s what Summer League is for.

Michael Devoe, an undrafted 2022 player from Georgia Tech, was aggressive to start the second, scoring the first 9 points for Phoenix. Could he be someone who ends up with the Valley Suns? He’s certainly doing what he can to get noticed.

Jalen Bridges had 5 points in his 7 minutes, hitting a three-pointer after a positive passing display by Phoenix.

Mat Ishbia stopped by the NBA TV booth during the second quarter. He’s making the media rounds as Phoenix is hosting the WNBA All-Star Game on Saturday. A couple of quotes? I got you.

“Our guys love him,” Mat said of Ryan Dunn. “He fits in well with our team.”

“We didn’t put our team together for a one-year try. First year: didn’t get where we want to be. Second year? We’re going to see.”

Back to the game, the rookie from Northwestern Boo Buie began to cook as he put together 8 consecutive points. Another G League hopeful, Buie has had a quality run this summer. He ended the night with 16 points on 5-of-12 shooting.

A score was happening, and it happened to be 55-47, OKC up at the half.

Ryan Dunn began the second half imposing his will. You’ve been waiting, and it happened. Dunn hit his first three-pointer of the Summer League. His ability to stay in front of his assignment is elite, and Dunn picked the pocket of Hunter Maldonado after an attempt to touch the paint. It was one of the best low-key plays I’ve seen in quite some time.

Oh, and he can deny players via the block as well. Probably why he led the ACC in blocks last season.

Jalen Bridges hit a pair of corner threes, one coming off of a left-handed off-the-dribble pass from Dunn.

Buie continued to light it up, and with 7:14 left, a three-pointer tied the game at 81-81.

Oso continued to showcase his basketball fundamentals with an almost artistic flair, weaving through screens, creating impeccable spacing, and dishing out assists with the precision of a seasoned maestro. Mark my words, folks, this kid’s got the makings of a future star.

Roddy was still involved on the fringes, as he has been this entire Summer League. He impacts numerous aspects: rebounding, passing, defense, and shooting. He can surprise you with a monstrous jam as well. This one capped off an 11-0 run. Roddy caught himself a couple of bodies.

As time fell off the clock and in a close game, Dunn’s defense continued to impress. He’s so hard to try to take off the dribble. You just can’t get around him. On key possessions he denied the point of attack, forcing a turnover on one occasion.

This one had an exciting finish. Down 97-94, David Roddy splashed a three-pointer to tie the game with 11 seconds left.

Keyonte Johnson, however, hit a fadeaway jumper to put the Thunder up by 2 with 2 seconds left. But David Roddy was fouled on a three-point attempt with a chance to ice the game.

He hit all three. Suns win, 100-99.

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Up Next

The Suns' fourth game (out of five total, not including Summer League playoffs, if they make it that far) is Friday against the Milwaukee Bucks at 1:00pm Arizona time. Milwaukee drafted AJ Johnson with the 23rd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and Tyler Smith with pick number 33.

We shall see you then Bright Side!

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