© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PHOENIX — Emotions flared in last night’s matchup between the Phoenix Suns and the Brooklyn Nets, but it’s something that had been brewing on the Suns’ side well before Tuesday’s tipoff.
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Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (14) is separated from Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during a fight in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The game unraveled in stretches, with long reviews, repeated stoppages, and mounting frustration on both benches. Each team received four technical fouls, while the Suns had two flagrant fouls added on.
While Phoenix came away with a scrappy win, it was the culmination of frustration with the officiating that led to what transpired on Tuesday.
That frustration boiled over in the fourth quarter during a scuffle for the ball in the paint. Phoenix guard Dillon Brooks wrestled for possession against Nets forward Ziaire Williams, as Nets teammate Egor Demin pushed Brooks to the ground.
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Terance Mann (14) pushes Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) during a fight in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“We get to a certain point, and this is where the frustration has come from our team this year as I’ve felt,” head coach Jordan Ott said postgame, according to Arizona Central’s Duane Rankin. “We play hard. We don’t flop. We don’t embellish and when that gets brought into the game, and when we feel that, that creates frustration for our guys, for me, for all of us.”
Physicality dominated the night, with both teams combining for 39 free throws. Beyond the box score was the emotional aspect of the game, as Brooks was assessed his 15th technical foul of the season (now rescinded, according to NBA Official).
Jan 27, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Demin (8) reacts after pushing Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks to the ground to start a fight in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“We’ve got to do better keeping our composure, especially in the fourth quarter,” said Ott. “But when that stuff gets brought into it? Again, it’s extremely hard to officiate. It’s extremely hard to play through some of that. That’s where I felt it from us the most.”
While excitement over a rare altercation filled Mortgage Matchup Center, many fans online agreed with Ott’s sentiment and noted how the Suns have had to overcome this type of officiating all season.
Good answer on the feelings of frustration with how the Suns have been officiated. Calls out flopping getting rewarded specifically. https://t.co/L3d4gAkDVp
— Cody Phillips (@codySuns) January 28, 2026
Terrance Mann also pushed Royce & MPJ pushed Suns assistant DeMarre Carroll in this video as well. https://t.co/aOLkA4OdaC
— Erik Ruby (@ErikRuby) January 28, 2026
Emotion was the catalyst for the win, but discipline and gritty play ultimately made it possible as Phoenix looks to move on and continue the grind to close out the first half of the season.
“We were able to figure out a way to come out with a victory,” said Ott. “But again, great credit to the resilience of this group.”
The Suns continue their homestand Thursday, Jan. 29, when they face the Detroit Pistons at 7 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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