PHOENIX – Phoenix Suns head coach spoke pregame before Saturday’s game vs. the Utah Jazz about a massive update on the return of Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams. For the past few days, Ott has made it clear that the duo were progressing well from their hand and foot injury respectively but needed to fulfill one more hurdle. Brooks and Williams passed that last set on Saturday.
Ott stated that the tandem participated on five-on-five drills and was able to go up and down the court for the first time since the injury.
Jan 30, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) with center Mark Williams against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
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Ott on massive breakthrough for Brooks and Williams:
Brooks has been out since Feb. 22nd, and Williams has been sidelined since March 5th. Without their two starters, the Suns are 5-7 and remain seventh in the Western Conference. The distant for sixth is massive, with the Houston Rockets having a four-game lead. However, the Los Angeles Clippers are only two and a half game behind Phoenix at the eighth seed.
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Mark Williams (15) pulls back Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) in the first half of the game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
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The difference between seventh and eighth is home-court in the first round of the Play-In tournament. The Suns are 23-15 at home and 17-18 on the road, making the final nine games imperative. Getting Brooks and Williams back on the court ASAP can help them knock the rust off, while maintaining firm position of the seventh seed ahead of next month’s playoff.
Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports