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Dillon Brooks makes ‘frail’ claim about guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
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- Dillon Brooks makes ‘frail’ claim about guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder lead 2-0 in their playoff series against the Phoenix Suns after a 120-107 win on Wednesday night. The result strengthens their early control in the matchup.
However, the game again sparked debate around officiating decisions. Several calls went in Oklahoma City’s favour, with discussions focusing on how fouls were awarded throughout the contest.
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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s role in drawing contact became a major talking point again.
In that context, Dillon Brooks, who defended him closely, addressed his experience guarding the Thunder star after the game.
Dillon Brooks brands guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as ‘frail’
Photo by William Purnell/Getty Images
Brooks took a swipe at Gilgeous-Alexander’s style of play when asked about defending him, suggesting that it differs significantly from previous eras of basketball.
He told the press (via Jordan Davis): “It’s a little frail, and that’s what the rest of them are gonna call it. I gotta be smarter about it, but it’s a playoff, it’s a man’s game. I used to watch this back when Michael Jordan was playing, or whoever else, when LeBron was younger, it’s just physical basketball.
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“I don’t get why all the dropping, the throwing, and the flopping, and the flailing, and all this stuff is allowed to get to the playoffs. Leave that for the regular season, for the fans. This is about who’s the better team, who’s the more witted team. Don’t decide the games on free throws.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander responds after leading Thunder again
Gilgeous-Alexander responded calmly to Brooks’ remarks after the win, focusing on his own role.
He said: “I can’t control what Dillon or anybody else on the other side is gonna complain about. All I can do is try to go out there and win basketball games.”
The MVP contender added: “Dillon is doing what he is supposed to do.”
The Thunder star led all scorers again with 37 points. In Game 2, he attempted nine free throws and converted each one.
