Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks has made it known he wants to face the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Brooks stated his reasons for wanting to play the Warriors were “Steph and Draymond,” as well as Steve Kerr.
Brooks’ History with Warriors Stars
Brooks’ preference is due to his history with Curry, Green and Kerr. That history fuels his competitive drive.
In December, Brooks contested a late Curry 3-point attempt, striking Curry and earning a flagrant foul. Curry called Brooks’ actions “bush league.” Kerr said Brooks has a track record of such plays, mentioning a hard foul on Gary Payton Jr. during the 2022 playoffs that resulted in a fractured elbow.
Brooks has a reputation for getting inside the heads of opponents. He named LeBron James as his NBA nemesis.
Curry’s Form a Key Factor
Brooks stated that he has great respect for Curry, calling the Warriors’ star one of the best to ever do it. Curry has proven his greatness time and time again.
Curry scored 27 of his 35 points in the second half against the LA Clippers, helping the Warriors erase a late 13-point deficit. He was playing in just his fifth contest since missing 27 games with knee issues.
Suns coach Jordan Ott said Curry looked like the same Steph Curry. Ott added that preventing the Curry explosion will be Phoenix’s greatest task.
Play-In Tournament Stakes
The Warriors defeated the LA Clippers to advance to Friday’s elimination contest against Phoenix.
The Suns have been preparing since losing Tuesday night’s Play-In contest against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Royce O’Neale said that they know what’s at stake. Friday’s winner secures the Western Conference’s eighth seed and will face the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the playoffs. The loser goes home.
While Brooks may not defend Curry exclusively, the Suns’ guard Jordan Goodwin will likely contribute as well.