Dillon Brooks Eager to Challenge Warriors in NBA Play-In Tournament
Filmogaz.com is providing live coverage of the 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament. In Phoenix, Dillon Brooks made clear who he wants next. He said the Golden State Warriors are his preferred opponent.
Brooks pointed to three factors behind his choice. He named Steph Curry, Draymond Green and coach Steve Kerr. The comments came after a Thursday practice ahead of Friday’s elimination game.
Play-in stakes and schedule
The Warriors advanced by beating the LA Clippers on Wednesday night. The Suns had lost their Tuesday play-in game to the Portland Trail Blazers. Friday’s winner in downtown Phoenix will claim the West’s eighth seed.
The victor will meet the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder in the first playoff round. The losing team will be eliminated.
Key names and recent incidents
Brooks has a history with Golden State’s core. In December he closed out on a late Curry 3 and struck Curry in the midsection. Officials assessed a flagrant foul, drawing sharp criticism from the Warriors.
Curry called the play “bush league.” Coach Kerr reminded reporters that Brooks has a pattern of physical plays. Kerr cited a 2022 playoff foul on Gary Payton Jr. that led to a fractured elbow.
Curry’s form and game impact
In Wednesday’s win, Curry scored 35 points. He delivered 27 in the second half and helped erase a 13-point deficit. The 38-year-old was playing only his fifth game after missing 27 contests with knee problems.
Suns coach Jordan Ott praised Curry’s appearance. He said Curry still produces sudden explosions that can decide games.
Phoenix’s defensive plan and mindset
Stopping Curry is Phoenix’s primary task. Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin and others will rotate on defense. Brooks embraced the idea of a tough matchup and said the team will be ready.
Brooks also enjoys getting under opponents’ skin. When asked about dream one-on-one matchups, most Suns named retired stars. Brooks singled out LeBron James as his personal nemesis.
- Teams involved: Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Recent results: Suns lost to Trail Blazers (Tuesday). Warriors beat Clippers (Wednesday).
- Next game: Friday elimination in downtown Phoenix for West No. 8 seed.
With the NBA Play-In Tournament on the line, Dillon Brooks and the Suns will prepare for a physical challenge. The matchup promises intensity, given the recent history between the clubs.
