Dillon Brooks wasn’t a headline name when Kevin Durant was traded from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets, but his impact in the league has become impossible to ignore.
Jalen Green was the big piece coming back to Phoenix, a young talent Houston never wanted to lose. But while Green’s playing time has been limited early on, it’s Brooks who has stepped up and become a vocal leader in his new team’s playoff push. Averaging 22.3 points per game so far, he’s putting together the best season of his career.
He’d built a similar reputation over two seasons with Houston, where he became known for driving change within that locker room as well. When the Suns visited, Brooks even received a tribute video from his old club — something Durant was asked about following the game.
Kevin Durant backs Dillon Brooks as Suns find their voice
Durant made his presence felt as the Rockets took down the Suns 117-98. The win marked another milestone for Durant, who became just the eighth player in NBA history to reach 31,000 career points.
After the game, Durant spoke about Brooks’ influence, recognising his role in helping shape a young Houston team during a difficult time for the organisation.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Durant said: “Dillon impacts a young team, a team that’s trying to go from being disrespected throughout the year to a respected group.
“I think he definitely adds to that when you inject him into your program, but also getting here and seeing how many other factors played a part too.”
“It’s a real group effort to get the Houston Rockets to where they were in the last couple of years,” he continued. “The coaching staff, whole new coaching staff, new crop of players, a couple of veteran players being here.”
Durant added: “He’s playing aggressive. He’s commanding the group. Guys are listening to him… Him and [Devin] Booker have become vocal leaders for them.”
Why Amen Thompson was amused by Dillon Brooks’ behaviour
Durant may have grabbed the headlines, but it was Amen Thompson who led Houston to the win with 31 points. The former teammate of Brooks didn’t shy away from praising him but couldn’t help laughing when Brooks tried his usual mind games.
Thompson said, “He helped change the culture over here. I feel like Houston loves him. They embrace him, and that’s my guy. He was a big brother to me.
“Playing him, he’s doing the antics on me now. It’s fun, I just laugh because it’s like, ‘I know you bro’. Seeing what he’s able to do, he’s having an all-star type of year.
“I knew he could do that when I played him one-on-one. He’s different, especially in the post.”
Dillon Brooks is known for trying to get under opponents’ skin during games, but this time his old teammates didn’t bite back. Even so, Phoenix are still playing well overall and currently sit at 13-10 in what has been a solid start to their season.
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