"My hayati" - Dillon Brooks drops loving birthday message for girlfriend Mirna Habib 

Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks shared a loving message on social media for his girlfriend Mirna Habib on the occasion of her birthday. The eight-year NBA veteran from Canada took to his Instagram stories to express his appreciation for Habib.

In the post, she can be seen enjoying her celebration while blowing the candles on her cake. Brooks wrote on his post:

"The most silly playful person I know. That's why I love you. Happy Birthday My Hayati."

Check out screenshots of his IG story below:

Dillon Brooks instagram story for girlfriend Mirna Habib

Dillon Brooks instagram story for girlfriend Mirna Habib

"Hayati" is an Arabic term that means "my life." Brooks and Mirna have kept their affair generally private. Brooks is a father to two daughters with former girlfriend Heather Andrews, named Mila and Luna.

Dillon Brooks a steady presence for the Houston Rockets

Dillon Brooks is all out as a steady presence for the ascending Houston Rockets. Now playing in his second season in 'Clutch City' after spending his first six years in the NBA with the Memphis Grizzlies, the former Oregon star has been a staple in the starting five of the Rockets, establishing a reputation as a "villain."

In the 26 games he has played for Houston in the ongoing season, all of which he started, Brooks averaged 12.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 31 minutes per game. He signed a four-year, $80-million contract with the Rockets last year and has been delivering from his end.

As to his reputation as being a villain, which started during his time with the Grizzlies, he said he has no problem with and is actually embracing the label.

In a report that came out on Sports Illustrated, Brooks said:

"Everyone wants to hate on something... The bad guy? Villain Brooks? Everyone can't be the hero. I'd rather be what was chosen for me."

Interestingly, LeBron James, who Brooks had famous run-ins with, recognizes what the latter brings to the Rockets. He shared last year (via ESPN):

"So I think in his case, he was worthy of the contract he got. He's put in the work since he came out of Oregon, and that's what Houston found value in and he's here."

With veterans like Brooks and Fred VanVleet joining young cogs Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson, the Rockets have made significant progress this season, currently holding an 18-9 record, third in the Western Conference.