Collin Gillespie, the two-way guard for the Phoenix Suns, made headlines on March 17, 2025, by receiving the first start of his NBA career. This significant moment for the young player came during their matchup against the Toronto Raptors, played at the PHX Arena. The Suns had been grappling with injuries to key players, including Bradley Beal, who was sidelined due to a left hamstring strain, and Grayson Allen, who was out with a left foot strain. Fellow guard Monte Morris was available for the game but was listed as managing lower back issues.
Before this game, Gillespie had showcased his skills during his last 10 games played, averaging 3.7 points, two rebounds, and two assists across roughly 10 minutes of play. Particularly noteworthy was his performance during the Suns' comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers, where he played the final 14 minutes and achieved impressive stats: 10 points, two rebounds, three assists, and no turnovers. Such contributions prompted speculation about Gillespie's potential within the roster, which head coach Mike Budenholzer previously downplayed, reflecting perhaps the internal strategies the coaching staff was considering.
"We have a game like (Friday’s 122-106 win over Sacramento), and then we come in and miss a few shots, and it affects our defense," expressed Devin Booker, the Suns' star guard, addressing the team's inconsistent performance recently. With Beal’s absence presenting both challenges and opportunities, the spotlight was on Gillespie to make significant contributions during his first start—and the Suns were counting on him.
The stakes were high, not just for Gillespie but for the entirety of the Suns organization. Entering the game with a record of 31-37, the Suns were desperately fighting for survival within the Western Conference playoff race. Any chance to gain ground against teams like the Dallas Mavericks, who were sitting just one and half games above them for the last play-in spot, was invaluable. Following Sunday night’s disappointing 107-96 loss to the Lakers—a game where they struggled offensively—it was clear the Suns needed to rally and show resilience to remain competitive.
Conversely, the Raptors, sitting at 24-44, were battling their own demons, still attempting to keep their postseason aspirations alive. They had faced disappointment the previous night against the Portland Trail Blazers, where they fell short 105-102, unable to hold onto their lead after recovering from early setbacks. The Raptors, missing their leading scorer RJ Barrett, were eager to capitalize on the Suns’ vulnerabilities, but their three-point shooting and overall consistency had faltered, particularly evident against Portland. Even though Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji sparked some hope by matching 19 points each, it wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
This match-up, part of the Suns' five-game homestand, was not just another game; it was pivotal. While Gillespie was poised for personal success, the team aimed to rejuvenate their season, leveraging home-court advantage and securing much-needed wins. The coaches’ decisions surrounding roster management were continuously tested, particularly as they navigated the two-way player rules—Gillespie had played only 20 games and is eligible for all remaining 13 matches this season.
Not only was tonight's game about the individual effort from Gillespie but also about the collective determination the Suns needed to display to keep their playoff hopes alive. They had the support of their fans, cheering from the stands, but the essence of this match was layered with pressure and expectations. Could the Suns exceed their prior failures and avoid another disappointing home loss? Could Booker and Durant rise to the occasion without their sidekick Beal?
By the end of the night, everything would be determined on the court. Would the resilient play of rookie Gillespie spark something within the team? Or would the Raptors, desperate to bounce back from their recent struggles, find holes to exploit against the Suns? Fans and analysts alike turned their eyes to Phoenix, eager to see how it all would play out.
