Dillon Brooks Drops 40 as Suns Outmuscle Pistons in Gritty Win Without Booker
The Phoenix Suns didn’t have Devin Booker on the floor, but they had more than enough firepower-and attitude-to get the job done. Behind a career-high 40-point explosion from Dillon Brooks, the Suns took down a tough, physical Pistons squad in front of their home crowd, improving to 29-19 on the season and 16-6 at home.
That’s now a win over the top team in each conference at home for Phoenix, and this one came with a little extra edge-thanks in large part to Brooks, who lived up to his “Dillon the Villain” nickname in every way.
Brooks Steals the Show
Wearing a shirt that said it all, Brooks delivered a performance that felt equal parts highlight reel and wrestling promo. He scored 40 points on just 22 shots, getting buckets from all over the floor, talking his talk, and backing it up every step of the way. It was the kind of night where everything was falling-and everyone in the building knew it.
By the end of the third quarter, Brooks had already set a new career high with 38, and he wasn’t done. He hit threes, got to the line, and played with the kind of swagger that makes him one of the league’s most polarizing-and entertaining-figures.
After the game, teammate Collin Gillespie crashed his interview to say what a lot of Suns fans have been thinking: “We have two All-Stars on this team. Get your phones out and vote.”
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Brooks was the headliner, he wasn’t alone. Grayson Allen turned in a quietly efficient 24-point night, including a perfect 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. He was steady throughout and hit a big three in the third quarter to stop a Pistons run that had cut the lead to single digits.
Gillespie added 16 points and 5 rebounds, hitting 5 of his 11 attempts from beyond the arc. His energy and shot-making gave the Suns a lift, especially in moments when the Pistons threatened to flip the momentum.
Fast Start, Fierce Finish
The Suns came out flying. Brooks scored Phoenix’s first seven points, and the team jumped out to an early lead behind hot shooting from deep. Gillespie hit his first triple, Allen followed with one of his own, and Phoenix pushed the pace early, building a 13-point lead midway through the second quarter.
The first half ended with the Suns up 72-56, thanks to 24 from Brooks, 16 from Allen, and 10 from Gillespie. After a recent stretch of cold shooting, the Suns caught fire from beyond the arc, going 9-for-19 (47%) from distance in the first half alone.
Pistons Punch Back
Detroit didn’t go quietly. The third quarter opened with a 20-5 Pistons run, sparked by a Tobias Harris three and capped by a Cade Cunningham transition dunk that cut the lead to seven. Phoenix had to call timeout and regroup.
That’s when Allen and Brooks stepped up again. Allen buried a three off a Brooks offensive rebound and kickout.
Moments later, Brooks drilled another triple, extended the lead, and let the Pistons bench know all about it. His energy was contagious, and the Suns fed off it.
By the end of the third, Phoenix had rebuilt their cushion and led 93-81, with Brooks sitting on 38 points.
Closing Time
The fourth quarter was scrappy-just like the first meeting between these two squads in Detroit. Phoenix turned it over a couple of times early, but Gillespie knocked down a big three to steady things. The Pistons kept pushing, but the Suns answered every time.
Royce O’Neale and Gillespie hit timely daggers late, sealing the win and putting a bow on a hard-fought, high-energy night at Footprint Center.
What It Means
This wasn’t just another win. It was a statement-about the Suns’ depth, their toughness, and their ability to rise to the moment even without one of their stars. Brooks gave them a jolt of electricity, Allen and Gillespie delivered when it mattered, and the team defended home court against a physical opponent that didn’t back down.
If Phoenix can keep channeling this kind of energy-and keep getting this kind of production from its role players-they’re going to be a problem down the stretch. And if Brooks keeps playing like this? The “Villain” might just become a fan favorite in the Valley.