Collin Gillespie Scores 24 Points in Suns' 101-100 Loss

Collin Gillespie Erupts for 24 Points in Heartbreaking Suns Loss to Spurs

Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie delivered one of his best performances of the season on March 19, 2026, pouring in a team-high 24 points in a gut-wrenching 101-100 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. The effort was not enough to secure the win, but it reinforced what has become increasingly clear over the past several weeks: Gillespie is playing some of the best basketball of his NBA career, and he is doing it at exactly the right time.

With the Suns in the thick of a challenging stretch, Gillespie's sharpshooting and clutch play have given Phoenix a reliable offensive weapon off the bench. His latest showing — six three-pointers drained, efficient shooting across the board, and a steady hand in the fourth quarter — has fans and analysts asking whether the former Villanova standout is finally stepping into a signature role in the league.

Breaking Down the 24-Point Performance Against San Antonio

Gillespie was dialed in from the opening tip against the Spurs. He finished the game shooting 7-of-13 from the field and a scorching 6-of-11 from three-point range, adding a perfect 4-of-4 from the free throw line for his 24-point total. He also contributed 2 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in 34 minutes of action — a complete two-way performance that went well beyond the box score.

Perhaps most impressively, Gillespie had already racked up 17 points in the first half, putting the Suns in a strong early position. Despite the narrow one-point loss, CBS Sports reported that Gillespie led all Phoenix scorers and was the team's most consistent offensive threat throughout the night.

The six-three-pointer game was no fluke — it marked the fifth time this season Gillespie has drained at least six threes in a single game, a rate that places him among the most prolific long-range shooters in his draft class. His ability to create separation off the dribble and knock down shots from well beyond the arc has made him a nightmare matchup for opposing defenses.

A Dominant Stretch Since the All-Star Break

The March 19 explosion was not an isolated incident. Since the NBA All-Star break, Gillespie has been on an extended hot streak that has turned heads across the league. Over 15 appearances in the post-break stretch, he has scored in double digits in 10 of those games — a consistency rate that rivals some of the best reserves in the Western Conference.

His averages since the All-Star break tell the full story:

• 12.9 points per game — a significant uptick from his season-long averages
• 4.1 rebounds per game — elite production for a guard his size
• 5.1 assists per game — demonstrating his growth as a playmaker and facilitator
• 40.5 percent from three-point range — well above the league average for perimeter shooting

The 24-point game against the Spurs matched his best scoring mark since the All-Star break, tying a performance from earlier in the calendar year when he also reached that total in a Suns victory. The back-to-back peaks underscore that this is not a hot week — it is a sustained surge from a player who has clearly found his footing.

The Case for Collin Gillespie Leading the Second Unit

As Gillespie's post-break numbers have climbed, a growing conversation has emerged around how Phoenix should best deploy him. Analysis from MSN suggests that Gillespie might be better served in a starring role leading the Suns' second unit rather than competing for minutes alongside the starters.

The logic is straightforward. When Gillespie operates as the primary ball-handler for a reserve group, he can control pace, initiate offense, and get clean looks from three in ways that are harder to replicate when he shares the floor with Phoenix's primary stars. His 5.1 assists per game since the break suggest he has the vision and decision-making to run an offense effectively — not just spot up and shoot.

This kind of defined role has proven transformative for similar players throughout NBA history. A bench-leading guard who can score from deep, facilitate for others, and play solid perimeter defense is a premium commodity. If the Suns commit to building their second unit around Gillespie's strengths, his production could climb even further before the postseason.

How Phoenix Is Getting Gillespie Involved

Getting Gillespie his looks has been a point of emphasis for the Suns' coaching staff in recent weeks. Recent coverage from MSN highlights the deliberate play-calling and spacing adjustments Phoenix has made to create clean opportunities for Gillespie, particularly off ball screens and in transition.

His shooting range and off-ball movement force defenses to account for him even when he does not have the ball in his hands. That attention opens driving lanes for teammates and creates the kind of ball movement that can break down even the most disciplined defensive schemes. When Gillespie is running hot, the entire Suns offense benefits from the gravity his three-point threat generates.

The coaching staff has also been smart about giving Gillespie extended run in games where the matchup favors his skill set. Against teams that struggle to contain perimeter shooters or lack the foot speed to stay in front of him off the dribble, Gillespie becomes a featured piece of the game plan rather than a secondary option.

What Gillespie's Hot Stretch Means for the Suns' Playoff Push

Phoenix's season has been a rollercoaster, but Gillespie's emergence as a reliable offensive option gives the team a genuine X-factor heading into the final weeks of the regular season. Teams preparing defensive game plans against the Suns must now account for a player who has proven he can take over a game from deep — something that was not as true earlier in the year.

The 40.5 percent three-point shooting clip since the All-Star break is particularly significant in a playoff context. Come postseason time, when defenses tighten and half-court execution becomes paramount, a shooter who can be trusted to knock down big shots late in games is invaluable. Gillespie's 4-for-4 free throw performance against San Antonio also hints at a player who does not wilt under pressure.

The one-point loss to the Spurs was a missed opportunity for Phoenix, but it was also a showcase for what Gillespie can bring when given the green light. A team that has him operating confidently and within a smart offensive system is a more dangerous team in a seven-game series.

Frequently Asked Questions About Collin Gillespie

How many points did Collin Gillespie score against the Spurs on March 19, 2026?

Gillespie scored a team-high 24 points in the Suns' 101-100 loss to San Antonio. He shot 7-of-13 from the field, 6-of-11 from three, and 4-of-4 from the free throw line in 34 minutes.

How is Collin Gillespie shooting from three-point range since the All-Star break?

Since the All-Star break, Gillespie is shooting 40.5 percent from three-point range, which is well above the NBA average and ranks him among the most efficient perimeter shooters in the league during that stretch.

What are Collin Gillespie's averages since the All-Star break?

Over 15 appearances since the break, Gillespie is averaging 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He has scored in double figures in 10 of those 15 games.

How many times has Collin Gillespie hit six or more three-pointers in a game this season?

The March 19 performance was the fifth time this season Gillespie has drained at least six three-pointers in a single game — a remarkable consistency mark that underscores his elite shooting volume and accuracy.

What role should Collin Gillespie play for the Phoenix Suns?

Many analysts believe Gillespie is best suited to lead the Suns' second unit, where he can operate as the primary ball-handler and offensive initiator. In that role, his shooting, playmaking, and decision-making can be maximized without the limitations that come from playing alongside the starting group.

Conclusion: Gillespie Is Making His Case

Collin Gillespie's 24-point outburst against San Antonio on March 19, 2026 was a microcosm of everything he has become for the Phoenix Suns over the past month and a half. Efficient, aggressive, and ice-cold from three-point range, he is no longer a complementary piece hoping for spot minutes — he is a legitimate scoring threat who can carry a team through a quarter, a half, or an entire game.

The loss stings, as every one-point defeat does. But the performance was a reminder that Phoenix has a player worth building around in Gillespie, particularly as the team navigates the final stretch of the regular season. If his shooting holds and the coaching staff continues to engineer clean looks for him, Gillespie could be one of the most impactful reserves in the Western Conference playoffs.

Keep an eye on the Suns guard — the best of Collin Gillespie may still be ahead.