PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are surging at the perfect time. The team is on a three-game winning streak after stunning the Cleveland Cavaliers, its first winning streak since Jan. 27th. Phoenix is playing its most inspiring basketball in months, and much of the credit should be given to two-way guard Collin Gillespie. The 25-year-old guard is currently playing the longest stretch of games in his career with 13 straight appearances, including three starts during the current win streak.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Since Gillespie’s insertion into the starting lineup, the Suns are undefeated. The former Villanova Wildcat is averaging 6.7 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in his starts this season. However, the most important stat for Gillespie is his ball control and limiting turnovers.
Mar 19, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at PHX Aena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Gillespie’s impact as a Suns starter:
Since becoming a starter for the Suns over Tyus Jones, Collin Gillespie has 13 assists to only 1 turnover.
Currently on a two-way contract, Phoenix will need to waive a player to add Gillespie to their roster before the Play-In tournament begins next month. pic.twitter.com/Ywk4rAvrih
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) March 22, 2025
Gillespie showcased his stellar playmaking in a breakout performance against the Los Angeles Clippers on national TV. Entering the fourth quarter, Phoenix was down 19 points when head coach Mike Budenholzer elected to go with Gillespie to start the final frame. Gillespie didn’t waste time becoming a hound on defense, forcing deflections and leading the Suns all the way back with 10 fourth-quarter points.
“I always love how Collin is poised, and he’s a dog,” Kevin Durant said after the Clippers game. “He was one of the loudest in the locker room after the last game. He ain’t even contribute a minute to that disaster, and he came out pissed off after the last game. I love playing with him.”
Mar 4, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) reacts against the LA Clippers during the second half at PHX Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
If a 15-time All-Star is praising your commitment to winning, that means something. The first half of the season had Gillespie riding the bench and playing in the G-League, just waiting for his opportunity to prove himself. Once given the chance, he didn’t let it go to waste, raising the Suns’ ceiling and aiding them in their pursuit of a Play-In spot.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
