Dillon Brooks returned to the Toyota Center on Friday night with plenty of eyes on him. It marked his first game in Houston since the Rockets sent him to Phoenix in the trade package for Kevin Durant.
While the action on the court was intense, the most talked-about moment came from the sideline. Fred VanVleet, watching from the bench due to an ACL injury, made sure his former teammate heard him loud and clear.
What Did Fred VanVleet Say to Dillon Brooks?
Brooks looked determined to put on a show from the start of his return. The Suns forward erupted for 14 of his 23 points in the first quarter alone, knocking down tough shots to provide a spark for Phoenix. As Brooks caught fire, VanVleet couldn’t resist stirring the pot. Cameras caught the Rockets guard yelling from the bench, “40? You got a 40 ball yet? Let’s see it.”
The 10-word taunt instantly went viral as VanVleet challenged Brooks to maintain his scoring burst. However, the Suns forward cooled off following that hot start. Brooks finished with 23 points, four assists, and four rebounds in his 31 minutes on the floor. He exited early in the fourth quarter as the game slipped away from Phoenix.
The Suns started strong, taking a 31-24 lead after the first quarter. However, the Rockets responded by dominating the second and third periods. Phoenix tried to mount a comeback in the fourth, but it was too late to overcome the deficit, resulting in a 117-98 loss. While Brooks led the Suns in scoring, Amen Thompson stole the show for Houston with a massive 31-point performance.
MORE: NBA Insider Reveals Rockets’ Plan to Replace Fred VanVleet’s Production After Devastating Injury
Despite the loss, Brooks has played well individually in his new setting. Through 17 games with the Suns, he is averaging a career-high 22.3 points on 45.9% shooting from the field. He has also contributed 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game during this stretch.
The defeat dropped Phoenix to a 13-10 record, placing them as the seventh seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Rockets have solidified their position as the second seed in the standings.
The Suns will look to bounce back when they travel to face the Minnesota Timberwolves. That matchup is scheduled for Dec. 8 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. It remains to be seen if Brooks can replicate his scoring production in that contest.
