With 6.4 seconds left and the Phoenix Suns trailing by two, guard Collin Gillespie rose up from the right wing, caught the inbound pass, and drained a smooth jumper that sent the Footprint Center into bedlam. The shot wasn’t just a winner—it was the exclamation point on a 9-point comeback in under a minute, lifting the Suns to a 114-113 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday night, November 21, 2025. The game, part of the Emirates NBA Cup group stage, wasn’t just another regular-season contest. It was a statement. And for the Suns, it was their second win in as many tries in the tournament. For the Timberwolves? A gut punch they won’t forget soon.
A Comeback That Defied Logic
With 1:49 remaining, the Timberwolves looked in complete control. They led 113-105, riding the hot hand of Anthony Edwards, who had just hit his fifth three-pointer to reach 40 points. The crowd was quiet. The Suns’ bench, slumped. But then—everything changed.
Devin Booker, who finished with 29 points, hit a tough floater. Then, with 31 seconds left, Dillon Brooks stole the ball from Karl-Anthony Towns and fired a pass to Jalen Smith for a layup. 113-109. Then came the free throws—two from Jalen Suggs for Minnesota, and two from Kevin Durant (in his first game back from a knee issue) for Phoenix. 113-111. The Timberwolves called timeout with 10.2 seconds left. The ball went to Collin Gillespie on the inbounds. He didn’t hesitate. One dribble. A step back. The ball left his fingers with 6.4 seconds left. Swish.
That’s how basketball works sometimes. One play. One moment. One shot.
Anthony Edwards’ Masterclass—And the Cost
Let’s be clear: Edwards didn’t lose this game. He nearly won it single-handedly. The 23-year-old scored 41 points on 14-of-24 shooting, including 5-of-11 from deep, and added 6 rebounds and 4 assists. He hit his 40th point with 2:21 left in the fourth, and for a stretch, he looked unstoppable. But even great performances can be overshadowed by timing.
Minnesota’s defense, usually among the league’s best, collapsed in the final minute. They lost track of Gillespie on the final play. They didn’t contest the inbound pass. And when the shot went up? No one moved. That’s not just bad defense—it’s a mental lapse in a high-leverage moment.
“We had the game,” Edwards said afterward. “We had it. We just didn’t finish. That’s on us.”
The Suns’ Resilience in Context
This wasn’t luck. It was momentum. The Suns are now 10-6 on the season, on a two-game winning streak, and have won nine of their last eleven. Their offense—averaging 119 points per game—is the third-most potent in the NBA. Their three-point shooting (38.4%) and free-throw accuracy (81.5%) are elite. But what’s been most impressive? Their ability to close.
They’ve now won four games this season by five points or fewer. In the last 10 minutes of those games, they’ve outscored opponents by an average of 7.2 points. That’s not coincidence. That’s culture. That’s leadership from Booker, the steady hand of Jalen Johnson (14 points, 8 rebounds tonight), and the clutch gene of Gillespie, who entered the game averaging just 6.2 points per game but now has two game-winners in his last five appearances.
And here’s the twist: they did it without Grayson Allen (quad injury) and Jalen Green (hamstring). Both were expected to start. Their absence forced a lineup shuffle that, oddly enough, unlocked something new.
What This Means for the NBA Cup
The Emirates NBA Cup is still finding its footing, but games like this prove its value. The group stage is no longer just a formality—it’s a proving ground. The Suns are now 2-0 in Group B, with two games left. A win in either of their next two—against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday and the Utah Jazz on Tuesday—could lock them into the knockout round.
For the Timberwolves? They’re now 10-7 overall, with their first back-to-back losses of the season. They’re still third in the Northwest Division, but the gap is closing. The Denver Nuggets (12-3) and Oklahoma City Thunder (16-1) are pulling away. Minnesota can’t afford more slip-ups like this.
What’s Next?
Phoenix heads into Sunday’s matchup against San Antonio with injuries still a concern. Without Allen and Green, their depth will be tested. The Spurs, meanwhile, will be without Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper, Jordan McLaughlin, and Stephon Castle—making this a rare chance for Phoenix to build separation.
But the real story isn’t the next game. It’s the message this win sends: the Suns aren’t just contenders. They’re a team that thrives when the lights are brightest. When the clock ticks down. When everyone else thinks it’s over.
They don’t need a star to save them. They just need one moment. One shot. One player who believes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Collin Gillespie become the hero despite being a bench player?
Gillespie, averaging just 6.2 points per game this season, was inserted into the starting lineup due to injuries to Grayson Allen and Jalen Green. His poise under pressure, developed during his college years at Villanova, made him the ideal candidate for the final possession. He’s now hit two game-winning shots in his last five appearances, turning him into an unlikely clutch specialist for the Suns.
Why did the Timberwolves collapse in the final minute?
Minnesota’s defense, usually disciplined, broke down due to fatigue and overconfidence. After leading by eight with under two minutes left, they switched to a prevent defense, leaving Gillespie open on the perimeter. The lack of communication on the final inbound play—no one guarded him until it was too late—was a critical lapse that cost them the game.
What impact does this win have on Phoenix’s playoff positioning?
The victory improves the Suns to 10-6, placing them second in the Pacific Division, just 1.5 games behind the Lakers. With the Western Conference tightening, every win matters. Their 2-0 start in the NBA Cup also gives them a psychological edge in tiebreakers, and a deep tournament run could boost seeding and home-court advantage come April.
How does Anthony Edwards’ performance compare to other NBA scoring explosions this season?
Edwards’ 41-point night was the third-highest scoring output in the NBA this season, trailing only Luka Dončić (47) and Jayson Tatum (45). But unlike those games, Edwards did it against a top-10 defense, with multiple defenders switching onto him. His 5 three-pointers were a career high in a loss, highlighting how even elite performances can be overshadowed by team execution.
Is the NBA Cup becoming more important than regular-season games?
Not yet—but it’s gaining traction. The prize money ($1 million for champions) and tournament seeding implications are drawing serious attention. Teams are resting stars less, and games like this—high-stakes, late-game drama—are proving the Cup can deliver must-watch basketball. For franchises like Phoenix, it’s a chance to build momentum before the real playoffs begin.
What’s the injury situation for the Suns heading into their next game?
The Suns will be without Grayson Allen (quad strain) and Jalen Green (hamstring) for Sunday’s game against San Antonio. Rasheer Fleming and Ryan Dunn are questionable. The team is expected to rely more on Jalen Smith and rookie guard Malachi Flynn, who saw increased minutes in this game and delivered 11 points and 5 assists. Their depth will be tested—but so far, they’re rising to the challenge.
