Suns’ Dillon Brooks Criticizes Refs After 13th Technical Foul
This past Sunday, Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks received his 13th technical foul of the current NBA season during a victory over the Washington Wizards. With 43 regular-season games remaining, Brooks is now only three technical fouls away from incurring a one-game suspension. He believes that nine of these technicals were justified, but he has expressed frustration about some calls that he feels are unfounded.
Dillon Brooks’ Frustration with Refereeing Standards
Brooks commented on the situation, saying, “They give me a technical for who I am. That’s weird and unappreciative.” He referred to a specific game against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 14, where he felt that referee Scott Twardoski failed to issue a technical foul for a missed call. This has contributed to Brooks’ ongoing frustration with officiating.
Career Statistics and Trends
- Brooks has accrued 85 technical fouls over the last six seasons, leading the NBA.
- He set a career-high with 18 technical fouls during the 2022-23 season with the Memphis Grizzlies.
- His technical foul count has remained high, with at least 10 each season for the last six years.
This season, Brooks has recorded 13 technical fouls through just 33 games, indicating that he is on track to exceed his previous high counts. Nevertheless, he remains committed to his aggressive style of play. “I still be me, and that’s why I’m playing the way I’m playing at an all-time high,” he stated.
Brooks’ Performance This Season
Brooks had a noteworthy performance on Sunday, contributing 16 points, one rebound, and one assist, shooting 4-for-8 from three-point range. He is enjoying a career season, averaging 21.2 points per game—almost three points higher than his previous best with the Grizzlies. His shooting percentages show improvement, with a career-high field goal percentage of 45.6% and a three-point shooting percentage around 35.6%, in line with his career average.
Concerns Over Rule Enforcement
Brooks also voiced his concerns regarding the enforcement of the hand-rule by referees, indicating confusion over what constitutes a foul. He believes that a reevaluation of these rules is necessary during the All-Star break to create greater clarity for players moving forward.
Upcoming Challenges for the Suns
The Phoenix Suns are currently enjoying a three-game winning streak, bringing their record to 24-15 and positioning them sixth in the Western Conference. Dillon Brooks plays a crucial role on the team, ranking second for both minutes played and points per game, despite leading in personal fouls. The Suns are set to embark on a challenging six-game road trip, starting with a matchup against the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
