Kris Dunn told Mark Medina of Sportsnaut that the 2025-26 season has been “going well,” emphasizing consistency despite a rocky start. The Clippers began poorly but rallied to position themselves for the Play-In Tournament.
Dunn credited the team’s turnaround to urgency, noting that losses early in the season made players more focused. “Guys started to really see us dropping in the standings. I think the urgency just picked up,” he said.
On potential recognition, Dunn addressed Kawhi Leonard and Tyronn Lue advocating for him to make the All-Defensive First Team. “It doesn’t matter what I think, either. There were times that I felt like I did a well job defensively. But at the end of the day, whoever votes for the award, votes for the award,” Dunn said, adding he appreciates the support from teammates and coaches.
Defense remains central to his identity. “Each and every night, I love guarding the best players. It gets my blood going. It just does something for me,” he said.
Dunn discussed his friendly competition with Luka Doncic, emphasizing the challenge of guarding a superstar. “He’s a really good player. So my goal is to make his job hard. He talks smack. Everyone knows that. I love it, honestly,” Dunn said.
Highlighting his defensive approach, Dunn referenced limiting Anthony Edwards to a 6-for-17 performance. “I just do what I do. I try to be physical, try to read the offense, and be disruptive. Then honestly, with the teammates I have around me, they help me out,” he said, citing the team’s schemes under Clippers assistant coach Jeff Van Gundy.
Dunn reflected on how injuries and team changes shaped him. “It shaped me tremendously. I’ve been through a lot with God, Jesus and my family being there. That just allowed me to mature and understand what it means to be a pro,” he said.
On leadership, Dunn acknowledged his style differs from vocal captains but remains impactful. “I give that to the other people. I want to go out there and compete each and every day. I cheer on my teammates. I want everybody to do well,” he said.
He praised Leonard for his leadership and defensive presence. “He’s a stone-faced killer. There are times where he puts the team on his back. But he’s still got it defensively,” Dunn said.
With the addition of Darius Garland, Dunn highlighted the adjustment process. “DG’s energy is through the roof. He brings a different juice to the game and a different pace. What he’s done in a few games, imagine when he really gets his feet under him,” Dunn said.
The Clippers currently sit at 32-32, eighth in the Western Conference, as they aim to build momentum for the postseason.
