Suns’ Collin Gillespie gets 1st start of NBA career vs. Raptors

Two-way Phoenix Suns point guard Collin Gillespie got the first start of his NBA career on Monday against the Toronto Raptors.

He was limited to three points, two rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes, most of which came at the start of each half with only two minutes coming outside of that with the 129-89 game well in hand late.

The start came with Bradley Beal (left hamstring strain) and Grayson Allen (left foot strain) both inactive due to injuries. Fellow guard Monte Morris was available but listed with lower back injury management.

Head coach Mike Budenholzer gave no indication pregame the start was incoming.

It came after a career-best 10 consecutive games Gillespie appeared in. During the stretch, he averaged 3.7 points (38.9% 3-point shooting), two rebounds and two assists in 9.9 minutes per game.

The stretch included a comeback against the Los Angeles Clippers, in which Gillespie played the final 14:36 and was a +21 with 10 points, two rebounds, three assists and no turnovers.

After the outing, Budenholzer was asked about the guard potentially starting, which he seemed to laugh off.

In 10 regular season games with the G League Valley Suns this year, Gillespie is averaging 21.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 10.6 assists and two steals per game.

By NBA rules, two-way players can be active for no more than 50 games this regular season. With Monday being Gillespie’s 20th NBA game of the season and the Suns having 13 games remaining after, he’s eligible to play in each of the remaining contests.

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