Dillon Brooks puts a tough night in the Pistons’ loss behind him

It becomes very obvious Dillon Brooks he has a positive impact on every team he plays for. It is no accident that it is The Memphis Grizzlies fell after Brooks was released in 2023, and the Houston Rockets have repeatedly credited Brooks with establishing a defensive culture and winning atmosphere. He’s doing the same thing again this season, this time for Phoenix Sunsbut to top it off, he also played his best basketball, especially on the offensive end.

Brooks is averaging over 20 points per game this season, and the Suns needed his shot creation and ability to play aggressively to build offense. However, with Devin Booker is out with an ankle injury Thursday in their matchup against the Pistons, Brooks was called into a bigger role than usual and struggled as a result.

The 29-year-old forward scored 16 points, but needed 16 shots to reach that number, making just four of them in a 108-105 loss to the Pistons. Still, Brooks owned to its shortcomings and rarely moves on to the next one.

“(I’m responsible for) fouling at the end, especially on my end. A couple of transition 3s. I missed a lot of mid-range shots and shots that I usually make. That happens over a long season. Refocus and play a better game next game,” Brooks said, via Duane Rankin of AZ Central.

“Foul at the end, especially on my end. A couple of transition 3s. I missed a lot of mid-range shots and shots that I usually make. That’s what happens in a long season. Refocus and play a better game next game.”

Dillon Brooks fouled out in the 4th quarter of the Suns 108-105 loss to… pic.twitter.com/2l6NgZ2HpZ

— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) January 16, 2026

Dillon Brooks becomes a Suns cult hero

Brooks has caught flak in the past for his irrationally high involvement on offense. He shoots too much for someone who isn’t the most effective. But he became a new man with the Suns, and the Phoenix embraced him with open arms – with Governor Mat Ishbia even considers him untouchable.

The 29-year-old is not untouchable, of course. But he’s perfect for this Suns team as an identity setter and bucket grabber. He definitely has it in him to bounce back in their next game, which is Saturday against the New York Knicks.