It says a lot about how well things are going in Phoenix when there’s a legitimate debate over who’s been the Suns’ second-quarter MVP. Devin Booker is always going to be in that conversation-he’s the franchise cornerstone, the engine that drives this team.
And sure, you could make a case for Collin Gillespie again. But let’s be real: right now, the spotlight belongs to Dillon Brooks.
Yes, that Dillon Brooks-the one who’s long been known more for his edge than his efficiency. The same guy who’s racked up technical fouls like they’re part of his stat line.
But this version of Brooks? He’s channeling that fire into something meaningful.
And in a season where the Suns have found new life, he’s been the emotional pulse of this team.
Brooks has brought a level of intensity and accountability that Phoenix has sorely needed. Remember, this is a guy who picked up a pair of technicals during a scrimmage before the season even tipped off.
That wasn’t just about being overly aggressive-it was a warning shot that he was coming in to compete, every single day. And that attitude?
It’s contagious.
On the court, he’s been a tone-setter. Off the court, he’s embraced the city, the team, and his role.
His recent comments about the Memphis Grizzlies-where he called out how he was made the scapegoat for their issues-might’ve raised some eyebrows, but he wasn’t wrong. Memphis hasn’t looked the same since he left.
And while he’s not afraid to speak his mind, Brooks also understands the bigger picture. He got traded, along with Jalen Green, for Kevin Durant.
That’s not a knock-it’s a compliment. He gets it.
What’s made Brooks so valuable in Phoenix isn’t just the defense or the numbers-though, to be clear, he’s having a career year statistically. It’s the way he’s embraced his role.
He knows this is Booker’s team, and he’s more than okay with that. He’s played the part of co-star with pride, stepping up when needed but never forcing the issue.
When Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale catch fire, Brooks steps back. When Jalen Green needs a rhythm, Brooks adjusts his game.
That kind of self-awareness is rare in a league full of players trying to prove they belong in the spotlight. Brooks knows exactly who he is-and who he isn’t. And that clarity has been a game-changer for the Suns.
He’s not just producing on the stat sheet. He’s producing moments. Whether it’s locking up an opposing star, hyping up the crowd, or even making a young fan’s day with a game of rock-paper-scissors, Brooks has embedded himself into the fabric of this team and this city.
Halfway through the season, the Suns are firmly in the playoff picture-and they don’t get there without Brooks. He’s earned every bit of the national attention he’s getting, and more importantly, he’s earned the respect and affection of The Valley.
Dillon Brooks didn’t just bring his game to Phoenix. He brought heart, grit, and an edge that’s helped reshape this team’s identity. And for that, he’s not just a candidate for second-quarter MVP-he is the guy.