Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks has quickly become one of the most polarizing players in the league. The former Oregon Duck is a key player for a very good young core in Memphis. But, his antics oftentimes overshadow all the things he can bring to the table.
Brooks averaged 13.4 points per game this year for the Grizzlies, and the 6-foot-7 forward is a great wing defender who is both quick and strong.
But, he often finds himself in trouble due to ridiculous antics and dirty play. Earlier this year, for instance, he got in a fight with Cavs star guard Donovan Mitchell.
Here's a better look at Dillon Brooks hitting Donovan Mitchell's jewels. 👀
Intentional or nah? pic.twitter.com/7hSGJaygax
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) February 3, 2023
Spida and Dillon Brooks get CHIPPY 😳 pic.twitter.com/jGhYHa8VAS
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 3, 2023
And, after the Grizzlies tied up their first round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers 1-1 on Wednesday, Brooks mad it know that he was not impressed with LeBron James.
Classic Dillon Brooks on his confrontation with LeBron James: “I don’t care. He’s old. … I poke bears. I don’t respect someone until he gives me 40.”
And Brooks had plenty more to say. pic.twitter.com/uWLONrubPZ
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) April 20, 2023
Yeah, what an idiot move, Dillon Brooks. And, the Lakers made sure he paid for those comments.
In Saturday night’s game three back in Los Angeles, Dillon Brooks and the Grizzlies learned to not poke the bear. The Lakers got out to an unprecedented 35-9 lead after the first quarter, and cruised home to a 111-101 win to take a 2-1 lead. And, Brooks was quite the enemy according to the Los Angeles home crowd.
Brooks was especially bad early on for Memphis. He started out 1-9 from the floor, finished 3-13, and had just 7 points. But, he will be most remembered for getting ejected after hitting LeBron James in the groin.
Dillon Brooks was ejected after receiving a flagrant 2 for this hit to LeBron. pic.twitter.com/LL9CLRAryy
— ESPN (@espn) April 23, 2023
He’s not the brightest bulb in the box. And, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him get a suspension for game four, given the precedent Draymond Green’s suspension just set.
In the meantime, Twitter was clowning Dillon Brooks.
Dillon Brooks v. LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/LtR1F0QdOD
— Kevin Clark (@bykevinclark) April 23, 2023
This is a message for Dillon Brooks. pic.twitter.com/jVN1ANviBA
— Colb (@___Colb___) April 23, 2023
Lakers should have the right to waive ejection and let Dillon Brooks keep playing if they want.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 23, 2023
“DILLON BROOKS FOR 3”
“DILLON BROOKS FOR 2”
“DILLON BROOKS FROM THE FT LINE”
“DILLON BROOKS UP FOR THE LAYUP”
“DILLON BROOKS FROM MID RANGE!”
“DILLON BROOKS WIDE OPEN 2 FEET AWAY FROM THE BASKET” pic.twitter.com/ByTeYE3Tzq
— De🅿️ressed Warriors Fan 🏆 (@GoIdenState) April 23, 2023
Dillon Brooks played a stupid game, and won an incredibly stupid prize. The Grizzlies will try to rebound in game 4 on Monday evening.