Memphis Grizzlies forward Dillon Brooks is no stranger to controversy, and on Thursday night, he found himself in a heated exchange with Philadelphia 76ers superstar James Harden.
The two players got in each other’s faces just three and a half minutes into the game, after Brooks was called for a foul on Harden at the top of the key. Brooks may have nudged Harden after the whistle, which clearly didn’t sit well with the former league MVP.
Brooks is known for being an agitator on the court, and this is precisely what he was trying to do with Harden. However, Harden isn’t one to back down from a challenge, and he made sure Brooks knew he wasn’t intimidated.
Brooks is hoping that he can get under Harden’s skin and throw him off his game, but that’s easier said than done against a player of Harden’s caliber.
Harden and Dillon Brooks get chippy 🍿 pic.twitter.com/yPPnRAI8eK
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 24, 2023
It’s clear that Harden is well aware of Brooks’ reputation for causing trouble on the court. The Grizzlies forward has been involved in numerous in-game altercations in the past, and he’s likely to be involved in more in the future.
However, Harden isn’t someone who can be easily rattled, and he’s determined to keep his focus on the game and not let Brooks get the better of him.
Despite the heated exchange, both players managed to keep their cool and avoid any further incidents for the remainder of the game. The Grizzlies ultimately came out on top, winning 116-100 against a Sixers team that was missing star center Joel Embiid.
Ja Morant led the way for Memphis with 28 points and eight assists, while Brooks finished the game with 13 points, four rebounds, and two assists.
And yet Brooks’ reputation as an agitator on the court was on full display during Thursday night’s game. But on the brighter side both players managed to stay focused on the game and avoid any further incidents. The Grizzlies ultimately emerged victorious, thanks in large part to a stellar performance from Ja Morant.
