Dillon Brooks has achieved significant milestones in the league and is currently regarded as one of the best players. This year, Brooks’ on-court prowess has earned him great feats. He achieved NBA defensive second-team honors and was the best defensive player at the FIBA World Cup, where he inspired Canada to win a bronze medal at the FIBA World Cup 2023.
Aside from being known for trash-talking, Brooks’ on-court prowess cannot be ignored. However, Luka Doncic, who has faced Brooks lately while hailing Brooks’ talent, disclosed his feelings during the matchup, while a Lakers’ star had also described Brooks as worthy of the Rockets’ mega deal.
Mavs star finds joy in battling Brooks
Luka Doncic and Dillon Brooks faced each other for the first time this season. Luka Doncic is one player who is not afraid to face the Rockets’ star. Doncic recently claimed that he loves playing against Dillon Brooks. Per House of Highlights, Luka Doncic, after being asked if the Rockets star’s on-court stunts and physicality unsettle him, the 24-year-old claimed he loves facing Dillon Brooks.
Luka Doncic expressed his enjoyment of the face-off with Brooks, and also shared his deep respect for him and his accomplishments. Doncic also mentioned that he and Brooks shared a laugh, expressing that it’s always enjoyable to play against him.
Doncic, whose on-court dazzle in the game against the Rockets was stunning with 41 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals while achieving 15 out of 29 from the field, proved that the Mavs star wasn’t unsettled by the presence of Brooks. Nevertheless, the Mavs, after the inspired 121-115 win by Doncic, returned to winning ways after a previous defeat against the Clippers.
Doncic showed during the game against the Rockets that Brooks’ presence on the court didn’t bother the Mavs star. He finished with 41 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals while making 15 of 29 shots from the field. Nevertheless, the Mavs picked up their winning ways following a prior setback against the Clippers, thanks to an amazing 121-115 victory led by Doncic.
LeBron James commends Dillon Brooks as worthy of Rockets deal
Dillon Brooks had, on July 8, signed a four-year deal with the Rockets worth $80 million. Despite the fact that Brooks and LeBron had a postseason of trash-talking, LeBron commended Brooks for achieving the contract, which according to him, Brooks deserved.
LeBron asserted that every player gets a deal for a reason when he was asked if Brooks’ market worth increased after he was against him. They deserve the contract that they are awarded. LeBron further stated that the Rockets’ decision to extend Brooks’ contract was influenced by the amount of work he has put in since moving to Oregon. LeBron refuted the notion that Brooks’ opposition to him made him more valuable.
After coach Ime Udoka and guard Fred Van Vleet joined the reformed Rockets, Brooks brought in young, gifted players like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith, and Alperen Sengun. After infamously calling LeBron “old” and trying to wear him out in the Grizzlies’ opening-round matchup with the Lakers, Brooks’ performance in six games was very low when compared to LeBron’s.
LeBron averaged 22.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists on 48.6% shooting, which helped the seventh-seeded Lakers defeat the second-seeded Grizzlies. Brooks averaged 10.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists on 31.2% shooting (23.8% from 3-point range).
Following his trade from the Grizzlies, the highly acclaimed Brooks will join the Rockets and aim to reach even greater heights in his career.
