Every time Dillon Brooks steps onto the court, conflict feels inevitable. This time, Stephen Curry stood at the center of the storm. In a tense finish, the Phoenix Suns edged the Golden State Warriors 99–98 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. With 38 seconds remaining and Phoenix up by five, Brooks struck Curry low in the rib cage. Officials assessed a Flagrant 1 foul, and outrage followed immediately.
This incident was not isolated. Brooks has clashed with LeBron James multiple times and faced a recent ejection. None of it has altered his approach. The guard embraces the villain label and reinforces it with actions that push the limits of the rulebook.
Production and controversy: the Brooks combo
According to Firstsportz, the foul did not change the final outcome. Brooks delivered another strong performance. He scored 24 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and played defense that held Curry to just 15 points. On the season, he averages 21.8 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. The production is undeniable. The debate centers on how he plays.
Dillon Brooks took a SHOT at Steph Curry’s ribs for no reason 😭 pic.twitter.com/9cHtZTnZiT
— BrickCenter (@BrickCenter_) December 19, 2025
The win lifted the Suns to a 15–12 record, placing them seventh in the West. Golden State fell to 13–15, dropping to ninth. It marked the Warriors’ third straight loss since Curry’s return, after he missed five games with an injury.
The rivalry will get a quick rematch. They meet again on December 20 at the Chase Center. For the Warriors, it represents a chance to respond. For Brooks, it offers another stage for his persona. Meanwhile, criticism continues to grow. After provoking James and now striking Curry, social media erupted with anger and disappointment.
Brooks shows no interest in changing the narrative. His on-court impact coexists with polarizing behavior. Some call it competitive intensity. Others say he crosses the line. One thing remains clear: when Brooks is on the floor, attention never drifts elsewhere.
