Gillespie’s Buzzer-Beater Caps Suns Comeback; Injury Updates on Allen and Green, Brooks Fined
slug: suns-gillespie-allen-green-brooks-update
PHOENIX — Third-year guard Collin Gillespie hit a short jumper with seconds remaining to complete the Phoenix Suns’ rally from an eight-point deficit in the final minute and secure Friday night’s win over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Head coach Jordan Ott drew up the decisive play for Gillespie without hesitation. “He’s growing,” Ott said. “He’s finding solutions out there on the fly.” Gillespie also helped seal the victory on the defensive end, providing late help on Anthony Edwards and forcing the ball out of the Wolves star’s hands.
The 25-year-old Villanova product, on a one-year standard contract after two seasons on two-way deals with Denver and Phoenix, is averaging 11.1 points per game and has scored in double figures in four straight contests. Teammate Dillon Brooks called him “a hooper” who “battles every day.”
Suns See Gillespie as Their Own McConnell
Arizona Sports 98.7’s John Gambadoro reported the organization now views Gillespie as its answer to Pacers guard T.J. McConnell. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to acquire McConnell, Phoenix no longer considers trading Gillespie for him.
Allen Still Out, Green Awaiting December Check
Grayson Allen (right quad contusion) will miss a third consecutive game when the Suns host San Antonio on Sunday. Ott said Allen completed a workout Saturday but has not done full-court work and remains day-to-day.
Jalen Green, sidelined by a right hamstring strain since training camp, said the injury is improving but he will not be reevaluated until sometime in December. The guard has appeared in just two games this season.
Brooks Hit With Another Fine
The NBA fined Dillon Brooks $35,000 for confronting and using inappropriate language toward officials during Friday’s matchup. Brooks was fined $25,000 earlier this month for a lewd on-court gesture and has a league-high four technical fouls, each carrying a $2,000 penalty.
Source: Hoops Rumors
