History was made in the Valley on Thursday night as Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie officially etched his name into the franchise record books. During a pivotal matchup against the Charlotte Hornets, the 26-year-old sharpshooter surpassed a mark that had stood for over two decades, becoming the new king of the long ball in Phoenix Suns history.
The Record-Breaking Moment in Glendale
The milestone arrived in the second quarter of Thursday’s contest. With the Suns looking to ignite their offense, Gillespie found space beyond the arc and confidently knocked down his 227th three-pointer of the 2025-26 NBA season. The shot didn't just add three points to the scoreboard; it officially moved him past Quentin Richardson for the most three-pointers made by a Suns player in a single season.
While Gillespie had entered the game on a uncharacteristic cold streak—shooting just 21.9% from deep over his previous four outings—he found his rhythm when it mattered most. By hitting two of his first four attempts from the perimeter against Charlotte, he ended a stretch where he had missed 20 consecutive shots, proving that even the best shooters only need one to fall to regain their confidence and make history.
Surpassing a Suns Legend
The Collin Gillespie Suns record is particularly impressive given the longevity of the previous mark. Quentin Richardson’s record of 226 three-pointers was set during the legendary 2004-05 "Seven Seconds or Less" era. For 21 years, that number served as the gold standard for perimeter excellence in Phoenix, surviving challenges from notable marksmen like Raja Bell and Grayson Allen.
To put Gillespie’s achievement in perspective, here is how the Suns' single-season leaders now rank:
- Collin Gillespie (2025-26): 227 (and counting)
- Quentin Richardson (2004-05): 226
- Raja Bell (2006-07): 205
- Grayson Allen (2023-24): 205
- Gerald Green (2013-14): 204
Gillespie’s ability to maintain a high volume of attempts while shooting a team-leading 40.9% from beyond the arc has been the engine behind his record-breaking campaign. His consistency has provided the Suns with elite floor spacing, a critical component for a team with championship aspirations.
From Undrafted to History-Maker
The journey to this Collin Gillespie Suns record is a testament to perseverance. After a decorated collegiate career at Villanova, the 6'1" guard went undrafted in the 2023 NBA Draft. He initially began his professional career on a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets, where opportunities were sparse. During his time in Denver, he averaged just 14 minutes per game across 33 appearances.
Everything changed for Gillespie when he joined the Suns. Under the leadership of head coach Jordan Ott, Gillespie was thrust into a primary role that allowed his shooting gravity to flourish. This season, he has started 57 of his 76 appearances, averaging a career-high 28.9 minutes per game. His statistical leap has been nothing short of remarkable, as he currently averages 13.1 points, 4.8 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per contest.
The Impact of the Ott System
Coach Jordan Ott’s offensive philosophy has clearly benefited Gillespie’s skill set. By prioritizing ball movement and high-value looks, the Suns have transformed Gillespie from a rotational depth piece into a historical outlier. According to advanced tracking data, Gillespie has been one of the league’s most efficient catch-and-shoot threats this season, converting nearly 49% of his attempts in those situations.
His presence on the floor forces opposing defenses to make impossible choices. With Gillespie stalking the perimeter, defenders are often hesitant to provide help-side defense, opening up lanes for his teammates and keeping the Phoenix offense fluid. This gravity is a major reason why the Suns have remained competitive in a crowded Western Conference playoff race.
Looking Ahead: Free Agency and the Postseason
As the regular season winds down, the focus for Gillespie and the Suns shifts toward the playoffs. However, his record-breaking performance has also set the stage for a significant offseason. Gillespie is slated to become a free agent this summer, and his emergence as a top-tier NBA shooter has likely earned him a substantial payday.
For now, Suns fans are celebrating a new franchise icon. In a city that has seen some of the greatest shooters in basketball history—from Dan Majerle to Devin Booker—Collin Gillespie stands alone at the top of the single-season record books. As the Suns prepare for a deep postseason run, they will continue to lean on the historic range of their undrafted star to lead the way.
Sources & Original Reporting
