Dillon Brooks made headlines after his late-game flagrant foul on Steph Curry during the Phoenix Suns’ narrow 99-98 victory over the Golden State Warriors on March 15, 2024. Standing at his locker in Phoenix wearing an oversized leather jacket and wraparound sunglasses, Brooks attempted to express remorse but added a layer of levity to the situation.
Reflecting on the foul, which occurred with just 38 seconds remaining, Brooks remarked, “I’ve got to do some soul searching. It’s the second time, and I’ll learn from it.” His tone suggested a mix of sincerity and humor, especially when he followed up with a joke about his intentions during the play. “I thought he was going to run and get the rebound, so I tried to stop him,” said Brooks, who also joked about his workout routine affecting his decision-making on the court.
The incident led to two free throws for Curry, who converted both, and a subsequent game-tying three-pointer by Jimmy Butler on the next possession. Brooks had an opportunity to win the game with a three-point attempt that fell short, but teammate Jordan Goodwin snagged the rebound and drew a foul, ultimately securing the victory for the Suns.
Curry, addressing the media after the game, was clear about his feelings regarding the foul. “That play happened, which was bush league, but (we) took advantage of it when Jimmy hits a big three,” he stated. This incident has only added to Brooks’ growing reputation as a controversial player, especially among Warriors fans.
Brooks has been in the spotlight for various on-court antics, including a recent ejection during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers after taunting LeBron James. His actions during the 2022 playoffs against the Warriors, which resulted in a serious injury to Gary Payton II, further solidified his contentious status. During that series, Brooks was also vocal in his criticism of Draymond Green, labeling him a “dirty player.”
The rivalry between Brooks and the Warriors continues to escalate, with even the usually reserved Butler expressing his disapproval of Brooks by stating he did not “like” him. As the Suns prepare to face the Warriors again on March 16, all eyes will be on Brooks to see if he adds to his collection of controversial moments against Golden State.
Brooks, currently enjoying a career-high average of 21.6 points per game in his ninth season, seems unfazed by the backlash. His unapologetic attitude has drawn both criticism and intrigue from fans and players alike. With the teams set to meet again shortly, the basketball world will be watching closely to see how this rivalry unfolds and whether Brooks will continue to be a focal point in their encounters.
