Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks found himself in the spotlight—and out of the game—during Sunday’s 148-109 rout of the Phoenix Suns. A second-quarter scuffle with Kevin Durant turned ugly, leading to Brooks’ ejection after just 11 minutes. Despite his early exit, Houston’s dominance never wavered, leaving fans and analysts buzzing about the latest chapter in Brooks’ villainous saga. Here’s how it all went down.
A Tangle Turns Tense
With the Rockets up 55-38 late in the second quarter, Brooks and Durant got physical at the top of the key. It started with a reach-in foul call on Brooks as he guarded the Suns superstar. Unfazed by the whistle, Brooks kept clawing for the ball, grinning as Durant shoved him off. Suns center Nick Richards stepped in, and Brooks swatted his hands away. The refs hit both Brooks and Durant with technicals, but when Brooks unleashed a verbal tirade at official John Butler—complete with some choice words—he earned a second tech and a swift ejection. Teammates had to hold him back as he stormed off, still smirking.
Rockets Roll On Without Him
Brooks’ exit didn’t slow Houston’s roll. Jalen Green erupted for 33 points, including 17 in a third-quarter blitz, while the Rockets closed the half on a 23-11 run, ballooning their lead to 78-49. Durant’s night ended early too, limping off with an ankle sprain in the third, but the Suns were already toast. “Dillon fires us up, even when he’s gone,” Green said post-game. For a Rockets squad now 49-26 and second in the Western Conference, this blowout proved their depth—and their edge—are playoff-ready.
Brooks’ Bad-Boy Rep Grows
At 15 technical fouls this season, Brooks is one away from an automatic suspension, a stat line as loud as his on-court antics. “He’s our spark plug,” coach Ime Udoka said, shrugging off the incident. But not everyone’s a fan—Stephen A. Smith took to social media, slamming the ejection as soft: “That’s just physical play—let ‘em talk!” Love him or hate him, Brooks thrives as the NBA’s agitator-in-chief, and Sunday’s clash with Durant only adds fuel to his fire. Before leaving, he chipped in eight points on 3-of-7 shooting.
What’s Next for Houston?
The Rockets head to LA to face the Lakers on Monday, where Brooks will sit out if he picks up one more tech. With the playoffs looming, Houston’s mix of youth and grit—led by Green, Alperen Sengun, and yes, Brooks—has them eyeing a deep run. For the Suns, Durant’s injury casts a shadow over their postseason hopes, especially after this lopsided loss. One thing’s clear: whether he’s on the floor or not, Brooks keeps the Rockets—and the league—on edge.