Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks engaged in a tense standoff with Chicago Bulls star DeMar DeRozan during Thursday’s game. The incident arose when DeRozan delivered a physical foul against Rockets guard Jalen Green in the Bulls’ 127-117 loss at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
The Rockets held a 84-75 lead midway through the third quarter when DeRozan forcefully collided with Green, leaving Green in significant pain on the sidelines. Brooks took offense to DeRozan’s aggressive foul, resulting in a verbal exchange between the two players that required intervention to prevent escalation. Security personnel intervened, separating the players, with Brooks receiving particular attention.
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Following the altercation, both Brooks and DeRozan were ejected from the game. DeRozan was penalized with a flagrant foul of level two for his excessive and unnecessary contact, while Brooks received a disqualifying technical foul.
DeRozan’s frustration seemed to build up from preceding plays, notably being blocked by Green on a dunk attempt and missing a layup shortly after, possibly feeling it was a result of an overlooked foul. Despite his early departure, DeRozan struggled with his shooting throughout the game, only managing to score 16 points on 4-of-15 shooting from the field. In contrast, Brooks and Green showcased their prowess, leading the Rockets to victory with a combined 49 points and seven three-pointers.
This incident adds to a pattern where Brooks has clashed with opposing All-Stars this season, often emerging victorious in such encounters.
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