Dillon Brooks doesn’t need a hot shooting night to make his presence felt. In fact, sometimes all it takes is a single heated moment to remind everyone exactly who he is.
That reminder came loud and clear during a recent Suns-Knicks matchup, when Brooks and Karl-Anthony Towns got into a brief but intense exchange that quickly made its way around social media. It was classic Brooks-fiery, unapologetic, and fully in character.
The moment came on the heels of a rough offensive outing for Brooks, who finished with just five points on 2-of-13 shooting in Phoenix’s 106-99 win. OG Anunoby’s defense made sure Brooks never found a rhythm, and it marked his second straight inefficient performance from the field.
But even when the jumper isn’t falling, Brooks has a way of inserting himself into the heart of the action. That’s become something of a trademark this season in Phoenix.
Since arriving with the Suns, Brooks has leaned all the way into being the team’s emotional engine. He’s the guy who takes the toughest perimeter assignment, who talks constantly-whether it’s to his man, the refs, or the opposing bench-and who never shies away when the game gets chippy. He embraces the boos, thrives in the chaos, and sets the tone in ways that don’t always show up in the box score.
And that edge? It’s something Phoenix has sorely needed in the later stages of the Kevin Durant era.
While the Suns have no shortage of scoring talent, Brooks brings a visible urgency that’s hard to quantify but easy to feel. His production might fluctuate, but his presence is consistent.
He’s always in the mix, always engaged, and always ready to stir the pot if it means getting under an opponent’s skin or firing up his own bench.
Brooks knows exactly how he’s perceived around the league-and he doesn’t run from it. In a recent interview, he was candid about the persona he brings to the court.
“You see on the court, it might not be ‘professional’ because I talk a lot of s-,” he said. “I run my mouth.
I’m yelling. I’m yelling to the crowd, blah, blah, blah.
But that’s just in the game. That’s my persona.”
That persona, though, isn’t just for show. It’s built on years of grinding, of proving himself in a league that doesn’t make it easy for second-round picks to stick around.
Brooks was the 45th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, a spot that comes with no guarantees. He’s carved out a career by being relentless-on defense, in his preparation, and in his approach to the mental side of the game.
Yes, that edge sometimes leads to technical fouls. And yes, it puts a target on his back.
But Brooks doesn’t mind. He’s not trying to be misunderstood.
He’s trying to win. And for a Suns team that’s looking to recapture some of the bite it had in its Finals run, Brooks might just be the jolt they need.