© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
DETROIT — Royce O’Neale and Collin Gillespie have emerged as core pieces for the Phoenix Suns this season, so much so that they made history together on Thursday night.
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Jan 15, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images
Through 41 games, O’Neale and Gillespie rank first and second on the team in three-pointers made, a mark that underscores both players’ shooting prowess and the Suns’ offensive evolution. O’Neale sits at No. 1 with 120 made threes, while Gillespie is close behind at No. 2 with 118.
Those marks came despite the Suns’ loss to the Detroit Pistons in a physical, hard-fought matchup. O’Neale finished the night with 11 points, going 3-for-8 from beyond the arc. The veteran forward, who joined Phoenix in 2024 as part of a three-team trade, continues to make a strong case for the value of his defense and versatility.
Jan 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Royce O’Neale (00) shoots against the Sacramento Kings during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Gillespie, meanwhile, scored 18 points and went 4-for-6 from three-point range. He has been a surprising and impactful contributor for a Suns team that has often relied on its bench to provide immediate sparks.
Once an offense that relied heavily on star power and mid-range scoring, Phoenix is evolving into a more versatile unit, one defined by balanced shooting.
Dec 31, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie (12) shoots a three point shot during the first half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Neither player’s journey has been linear. O’Neale went undrafted before carving out a role as a high-impact starter, while Gillespie’s rise from a two-way contract last season has established him as a critical source of speed, hustle and shooting.
As the Suns continue their push for contention, O’Neale and Gillespie are not only fueling wins but also setting new records in the desert.
No. 1 & No. 2 in the Suns history books 👌 pic.twitter.com/I49MnzRowT
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 16, 2026
Phoenix is surprising the league and proving doubters wrong, and much of that success is due to players unafraid to step beyond the arc and deliver when it matters.
O’Neale, Gillespie, and the Suns continue their road trip Saturday, Jan. 17, when they take on the New York Knicks at 5:30 p.m.
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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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