Phoenix Suns’ Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie lead way for Phoenix in first half vs Nuggets
© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
PHOENIX – The first half of the Phoenix Suns was a roller coaster, though they trail the Denver Nuggets by a score of 63 to 60, but the help of Collin Gillespie and Dillon Brooks is keeping this matchup on Saturday night tight.
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Oct 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) listens as Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) talks with teammates in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
The Suns were able to cause Denver to turn the ball over and have them take tough shots to begin the game. Phoenix went on a quick 8-0 run and didn’t allow the Nuggets to score until 8:17 left in the first quarter. The energy on defense declined, though, as the Nuggets were able to come back and tie it up midway through the first. Suns Head Coach Jordan Ott substituted in Collin Gillespie and immediately gave Phoenix a burst of energy, showing why he can be a spark plug off the bench.
Oct 25, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts after making a shot during the first half against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images
The absence of Mark Williams played a big part, as Nikola Jokic had his way in the paint early on and often, and Jonas Valanciunas also followed his path. Dillon Brooks and Collin Gillespie are doing a phenomenal job at keeping the offense going as they are not only able to create open looks, but they also helped build momentum back when Denver was taking over. Brooks ended the first half with 19 points, while Gillespie had 12 of his own. Having the Suns’ role players come in clutch while Jalen Green is injured and Booker’s slow starts continue will be massive for Phoenix moving forward, not just in this game, but for the rest of the season.
Feb 8, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) dribbles against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
