The Phoenix Suns do not have many NBA champions on their roster, but two-way player Collin Gillespie is one of them. The former Denver Nuggets man has spent most of the season either on the sidelines injured, or with the team’s G-League affiliate, Valley Suns. But on Tuesday night he was at the heart of a 23-point comeback for the Suns against the LA Clippers, keeping their season alive, which was hanging by a thread.
Gillespie, alongside Kevin Durant, fueled an incredible fourth quarter resurgence, which saw the Suns overturn a 19-point deficit to win 119-117. It is an unlikely duo, but one Suns fans will be desperate to see going forward. In a side devoid of effort, energy and good-feeling, the 25-year-old guard provided guts, desire and leadership through example for a team filled with established veterans.
Suns Turn to Unlikely Hero in Fourth Quarter Comeback
Gillespie and Durant Led the Way For Suns
Heading into the depths of the third quarter, it was looking like another in a long list of disastrous performances for the Suns. The home crowd’s boos were prominent, and TNT announcer Stan Van Gundy called their defense ‘pathetic’. Everything was too easy for the Clippers. Through three quarters, Ivica Zubac had 25 points–ultimately ending on 35–and there was absolutely no resistance in the paint or on the perimeter. Their opponents were getting anything they wanted. Sloppy turnovers have been a story of the Suns season, and despite a vocal insistence on wanting to get better, their actions on the court suggested otherwise.
But in a final move of desperation, head coach Mike Budenholzer turned to Gillespie, who had previously appeared in just 11 games and averaged 6.1 minutes. It was an attempt to inject some youthful exuberance, and it was a decision that well and truly paid off. Gillespie scored 10 points, also providing three assists and two rebounds. His effort on the boards was particularly crucial, especially as the clock winded down.
He showed off his offensive prowess, both in his drives and probing of the defense, channeling his inner Steve Nash. The guard proved he was not afraid of the moment, knocking down a three-point dagger to make it a five-point lead with less than a minute to go. Durant scored 19 of his 34 points in the final period, joining Gillespie as the catalyst for the Suns’ comeback and potential salvaging of their season.
“LOOKIN’ LIKE STEVE NASH OUT HERE”
Collin Gillespie’s making an IMPACT for Phoenix! pic.twitter.com/piJHqf29Nr
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 5, 2025
Gillespie Deserves a Shot
With the struggles of other players on the Suns roster, Gillespie at least deserves a significant role on the team in the coming weeks. The team recently reinstated Bradley Beal to the starting lineup, but a recurring left calf injury sidelined him for the second half. Tyus Jones retook his place in the lineup, but did not see the court in the fourth quarter.
This means there is a spot open, which Budenholzer should at least explore offering to Gillespie. None of the guard combinations used this season have been effective so far, but placing him alongside Devin Booker could improve matters on both ends. The Suns restricted the Clippers to just 22 points on 6/20 shooting, and his tenacity and pressure played a huge role in disrupting the visitors’ rhythm. He had impressed in the G-League, averaging 21.2 points and 11.1 assists per game. A right ankle fracture in the opening game of the season delayed his development, but since returning he has been a bright spot for the Valley Suns. He finally earned a chance in the NBA and grasped it with two hands.
He will be eager to be afforded the same opportunity in the Suns’ next game, perhaps even from the start, against his former side in the Nuggets. In their title-winning season in 2023-24, he appeared in 24 games for Denver, but was absent in the postseason.
Durant praised Gillespie’s leadership qualities, despite his inexperience. Although he played no minutes in their embarrassing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, he was a vocal figure in the locker room. After Tuesday night’s display, Gillespie more than deserves a shot at writing his Suns story.
Kevin Durant on Collin Gillespie: “I always love how Collin is poised and he’s a dog. He cares. He was one of the loudest in the locker room after last game, and he ain’t even contribute a minute to that disaster. And he came out and was pissed off after the game last game.” pic.twitter.com/4jepWssCnu
— Gerald Bourguet (@GeraldBourguet) March 5, 2025
© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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