Suns star Dillon Brooks calls out OKC Thunder over controversial play style
The NBA runs on star power and friendly competition these days, but Dillon Brooks still operates from a different playbook. The Phoenix Suns defender built his reputation on what he calls the “dark arts” – a mix of physical defense and mental warfare designed to throw opponents off balance. Brooks brought that energy into the spotlight again after the Suns locked up the No.
8 seed in the Western Conference. Phoenix dropped a game to Portland before bouncing back with a win over the Golden State Warriors. MORE: Steve Kerr makes telling future admission after Warriors’ playoff exit Dillon Brooks takes aim at OKC That victory set up a first-round playoff clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and known for playing with an edge.
After the Suns rolled past the Warriors 111-96, Brooks sat down for an interview on “NBA on Prime” and didn’t hold back when the topic turned to OKC. “There are a lot of foul baiters on that team ,” Brooks said. “We gotta show our hands.
I hope it’s the real playoffs. We can’t be calling too many calls but… Show your hand, we gotta follow the scout, follow them in the paint, and be able to have our rotations proper. ” Dirk Nowitzki, Blake Griffin, and Steve Nash laughed at the comment, but nobody challenged him on it.
Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Brooks made it clear Phoenix planned to match Oklahoma City’s intensity and wouldn’t get caught up in the whistle game.