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Today — 3 April 2026Main stream

Collin Gillespie’s record-setting night draws love from Suns fans

Dec 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) reacts after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Dec 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) reacts after a three point basket against the New Orleans Pelicans during the first half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

CHARLOTTE — Collin Gillespie has officially cemented himself in Phoenix Suns franchise history, and fans have been showing him love online for his historic feat and contributions so far this season.

Apr 2, 2026; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) brings the ball up court against Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball (1) during the first quarter at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Taking on the Charlotte Hornets Thursday, Gillespie shot 2 for 5 from beyond the arc in the first half, with the two 3-pointers moving him past Quentin Richardson for the most 3-pointers made in a single season at 227 — and counting.

It’s not every day spectators witness a 21-year record being broken, but when they do, they can’t help but give credit where it’s due. That’s exactly what Phoenix fans did when Gillespie took the record in the second quarter.

Fans had anticipated that the Suns guard would break the record; it was just a matter of when he would make his deep shots.

Gillespie, who just last year split time between the G League and the NBA as a two-way player, has been a crucial part of the Suns’ rotation. His off-ball movement and quick-trigger shooting have earned him a starting role at multiple points this season.

Nov 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) against the Houston Rockets in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The journey from two-way player to franchise record-holder highlights the growth he’s made within the organization. The belief that Gillespie could elevate a team amid a culture change ultimately paved the way for him to claim the 3-point record.

The performance didn’t just set a record — it also offered perspective on where Gillespie is as a player today. Even through tough shooting stretches, his ability to bounce back and contribute consistently has fueled the Suns as a whole.

Mar 24, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) shoots the ball against Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

With Gillespie’s name now in the record books, fans will remember 2025-26 as not only the season the Suns defied preseason expectations, but also the season they saw a developmental player shine when given the opportunity.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

Yesterday — 2 April 2026Main stream

How close the Phoenix Suns came to going a different direction at head coach

Michigan State's head coach Tom Izzo calls out to players during the second half in the game against Michigan on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. © Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Michigan State's head coach Tom Izzo calls out to players during the second half in the game against Michigan on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at the Crisler Center in Ann Arbor. © Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns nearly took a different path in their coaching search last summer, almost bringing a two-time NABC Coach of the Year to the Valley.

Tom Izzo, head coach of Michigan State Spartans men’s basketball, spoke on The Dan Patrick Show on Wednesday and recalled a conversation he had with a colleague. Izzo then revealed he was in serious discussions about bringing his expertise to Phoenix.

“I [had] more than a couple job offers in the NBA and looked at one last year with Phoenix,” Izzo said. “You know, and my former player, Mat Ishbia… That was a hard thing to turn down because, number one, I kind of wanted to go with him.”

When asked directly if the Suns offered him the head coaching position after the club fired former head coach Mike Budenholzer, Izzo made it clear there was a level of interest on both sides.

“We talked seriously about it, let’s say that,” he said.

Michigan State coach Tom Izzo lifts the NCAA championship trophy after the win over Florida, April 3, 2000 at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis. Mateen Cleaves is at right. © Eric Seals / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Msu Florida Championship Basketball

The revelation offers insight into how close one of college basketball’s most established figures came to making the jump to the NBA. Izzo has led the Spartans since 1995 and won a national championship in 2000.

The potential move would have paired a trusted coach with Ishbia, creating an established relationship and continuity at the professional level. The opportunity to test his program-building philosophy in a different environment could have altered the culture in the desert.

Jan 9, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jordan Ott against the New York Knicks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

However, the Michigan State head coach believed it was best to remain at the collegiate level, ultimately leading to Jordan Ott’s hire as head coach of Phoenix. Still, the comments reflect how fluid coaching paths can be and how college leaders continue to draw interest from NBA teams.

It also leaves a lingering question: Where would the Suns be if Izzo had made the jump to the Valley?

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

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