© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
HOUSTON – When Dillon Brooks steps back into Houston for the first time since the mega-deal that shipped him and Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns for Kevin Durant, the atmosphere will inevitably feel energized with nostalgia, emotion, and noise. Yet, there will be one person completely unmoved by the emotional matchup, which is Dillon Brooks himself.
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!
Nov 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
AZCentral’s Duane Rankin asked Brooks whether he was curious about the home crowd’s reaction before Friday night’s matchup. Brooks didn’t hesitate to mention how he only cared about their reaction after the Suns’ victory. It was a little of Dillon Brooks’ personality coming out in saying that he isn’t looking at the past.
“Whatever. I’m just expecting a reaction when we win at the end of the game.”
Suns forward Dillon Brooks when asked what kind of reaction is he expecting tonight in his return game against Houston at Toyota Center. #Suns #Rockets pic.twitter.com/fBkzFNw4oS
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 5, 2025
Since landing in Phoenix, he’s carved out an identity that fits more cleanly than skeptics expected. His intense defensive activity is leading the depth, his foul discipline is steadier, and his offensive role is sharper. For a Suns team that has long needed a tone-setter rather than a headliner, Brooks’ presence has been less about noise and more about architecture.
Nov 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix forward Brooks (3) drives to the basket against Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Regardless of whether Houston fans cheer or boo, it highlights how dramatically Brooks’ priorities have shifted. In Houston, he was a symbol of somebody polarizing, scrutinized, and often the lightning rod. In Phoenix, he’s become a framework piece in a bigger picture. That’s a psychological evolution as much as a basketball one. For Suns fans, it’s another checkpoint confirming their new identity. Brooks isn’t coming back for sentiment; he’s coming back as proof of concept and will let the reaction speak only after the scoreboard does.
Nov 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Suns forward Brooks (3) defends against Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Durant finally faces the Phoenix Suns and no one is pretending it’s just another game
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
