Mike Budenholzer finally breaks season long rule fans have been begging for

In what has been a dismal season that still could finish without even a spot in the play-in tournament, the Phoenix Suns had what felt like a signature win Tuesday night against the L.A. Clippers. The team recording the largest comeback in franchise history, as they battled back from a 23-point deficit to win the game 119-117.

Making this victory even better, was the fact the team left it late and trailed by as many as 19 heading into the fourth, but still managed to get this done. A far cry from the way they have handled adversity for much of this season, usually rolling over and taking the L on the chin.

Mike Budenholzer broke a season-long rule to get it done.

The first-year head coach has taken plenty of stick as this season has unfolded, and it didn't get much better in this one. Early in the game he appeared to clash on the sidelines with star Kevin Durant, in a situation that had similiarities to when Bradley Beal shook off previous coach Frank Vogel during the playoffs last year.

Despite this looking like it was again going to be one of those nights in The Valley, coach Budenholzer broke a self-imposed rule that helped the team to win. He simply picked and played the guys who are in form, throwing out his preconceived notions about all of these players, and how they fit together on the court.

Most notable was third-string point guard Collin Gillespie, whose 10 points and some big shots down the stretch put the game away for the Suns. Gillespie has been barely used this season, and the reason for that is Tyus Jones. The floor general - much like Monte Morris - signed last offseason to add legitimate point guard skills to a roster that really needed it.

Only Jones hasn't been hot for a while now, and it was great to see coach Budenholzer finally relent and bring him off the bench. Gillespie might not be a much better defender than Jones - and we also can't simply say that playing him more minutes is the answer here - but the fight and intensity he showed was a spark for everybody else on the team.

Bol Bol got another start in this one - and although he only played nine minutes - it was further proof that coach Bud has broken with what he knows and will give guys a shot. Both Gillespie and Bol barely featured as the losses piled up, yet recently Bol has started and had some nice games, while this was clearly Gillespie's moment.

Then there was inserting Beal back into the starting lineup - which has happened on occasion since he was moved to the bench - but this one felt more notable. This wasn't a choice that had to be made because of injuries, rather the Suns decided having their three best players out there together - just like they did last season - could actually lead to success.

The need for a point guard - although likely evident should they even make it to the playoffs - didn't seem to get in the way here. It was all really very simple, the most in-form guys played, and the Suns didn't worry about positions or who did what. They defended in a way we've rarely seen this season, and they cared. That's it. To then win the game, coach Budenholzer deserves some love for this.