Key takeaways from Suns’ thrilling overtime loss to Jazz

Suns marquee offseason acquisition, center Mark Williams, contributed 25 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes off the bench and tipped in the overtime-clinching missed Booker free throw.

Phoenix was shorthanded, missing Jalen Green (right hamstring strain) and Dillon Brooks (right groin soreness), who has been its second-leading scorer.

Following the gritty loss, let’s break down some key takeaways from the game.

Collin Gillespie’s Leap

Collin Gillespie reminded everyone of his big-game potential, adding 15 points and 12 assists as a reserve and leading Phoenix to its second-quarter comeback.

Gillespie was a team-high plus-19 while on the floor. He and backup center Nick Richards had an integral stint in the second period, which brought the Suns to tie the game before the halftime break.

Many inclined the backup guard would take a leap this season given the stellar stretch he had to end last season. Phoenix needs his production more than ever without a traditional point guard on the roster.

Gillespie is turning into just that.

Suns’ Best Offensive Game

Despite missing two key offensive figures, Phoenix arguably performed the best it has all season on offense.

The Suns finished with 37 assists on 45 made field goals. That ball was moving and shots were falling. It was a more realistic product of Jordan Ott’s basketball philosophy.

We’ve seen it through the first three games of the season. When the offense stalls, Brooks is not afraid to find a shot, no matter the quality.

Once Green, a prolific young coring creator, returns to the lineup, Phoenix’s offense will look a lot more productive.

Mark Williams is A Hit

Even off the bench. Even while on a minutes restriction. Even while matching up against one of the toughest young frontcourts in the league, Mark Williams had a stellar outing, further proving his potential as a player, health permitting.

On an efficient 25-point, 11-rebound outing, (9-of-14 FG), Williams showed poise and potential paint domination.

Walker Kessler is no easy matchup, so the fact that Williams was able to rise to the occasion while still physically limited is a great sign for the trajectory of the Suns’ Season.

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