The Phoenix Suns notched a 119-117 win against the Los Angeles Clippers last Tuesday, as they rallied from a 23-point deficit in the second half.
Phoenix trailed by 19 entering the fourth quarter but came back, courtesy of Kevin Durant and backup guard Collin Gillespie. They outscored Los Angeles 43-22 to complete the comeback.
Durant finished the game with 34 points, seven rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and four three-pointers on 10-for-22 shooting from the field and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. Devin Booker, Nick Richards, Mason Plumlee, and Royce O’Neale added 17, 16, 14, and 12 points.
Gillespie came off the bench and posted 10 points, two rebounds, and three assists on 4-for-6 shooting from the field. The Villanova product had the team’s highest plus-minus in 15 minutes of action (+21), highlighting his all-around impact.
Phoenix Suns News: Kevin Durant praises Collin Gillespie’s impact off the bench
The Phoenix Suns were off to a poor start after going down 65-49 after the first half. However, once Collin Gillespie checked into the game, he sparked the comeback with his hustle and energy. Kevin Durant knows the work Gillespie has put in with their G League team, and the one-time league MVP gave his younger teammate his well-deserved plaudits.
“I always love how Collin is always poised and he’s a dog, he cares. He was one of the loudest in the locker room after last game, and he didn’t even contribute a minute to that disaster. He came out and was pissed off,” Durant said about Gillespie via Damon Allred of Arizona Sports.
“You could tell when he got another opportunity, he was gonna make the most of it and go out there and play his game. In the (G League) he’s just dominant, but up here, he comes in here and leaves his mark and plays extremely hard. I love playing with him,” he concluded.
