Dillon Brooks has embraced and relished the role of a villain in his career with the Memphis Grizzlies. He's a player who doesn't mind getting into opponents' faces and someone the fans love to hate.
Brooks plays the role of an enforcer for the Grizzlies. Unsurprisingly, he's been tossed out a few times since entering the league in 2017.
Per ESPN Stats & Info:
"Dillon Brooks is ejected for the second time in the postseason and sixth time in his career overall."
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Brooks was first ejected from the playoffs in Game 2 against the Golden State Warriors. Brooks took a swipe at Gary Payton II, who was going up high for a layup. The hit caused "GPII" to fall and fracture his arm.
The ejection against the LA Lakers for hitting LeBron James was unfortunate for the Memphis Grizzlies. Brooks took momentum away from the Grizzlies who were starting to fight back.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was furious after the second-round game last year, telling reporters that Brooks "broke the code."
Brooks was also involved in a high-profile altercation during the regular season. He hit Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell in the groin.
Besides the trouble he caused in Game 3 against the LA Lakers, the brash guard/forward didn't contribute much. He played 19 minutes and finished with seven points on 3-13 shooting, including 1-5 from behind the arc before hitting LeBron James in the groin.
Also read: What is a flagrant 2 foul in the NBA?
Dillon Brooks' career in the playoffs has been going downhill
Dillon Brooks first appeared in the playoffs with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2021. In five games, he averaged 25.8 points 4.2 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.4 steals against the Utah Jazz. He shot 51.5% from the field and made 40.0% of his attempts from 3-point distance.
The series against the Jazz was his best showing in the postseason.
In 11 postseason games last year, his averages dropped to 14.6 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.0 steals. He shot 34.9% from the field, including 34.7% from long distance.
Heading into Game 3 against the LA Lakers, Brooks averaged 13.5 points, on 37.0% shooting. His 26.7% clip from deep has made him nearly unplayable on offense.
Brooks was the Memphis Grizzlies' primary defender against LeBron James. If not for his defense, he may not even see action on the floor.
You may also like to read: Why was Dillon Brooks ejected from Game 3 of LA Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies?
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