Dillon Brooks Hints at Beef with Warriors Ahead of Play-In Matchup

The Grizzlies forward wants the Warriors to beat the Clippers so Phoenix can face Golden State.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 12:23am

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An abstract, cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the colors of the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies, capturing the intensity and drama of their heated basketball rivalry.The long-simmering rivalry between the Warriors and Grizzlies is set to boil over once again in the NBA playoffs.Phoenix Today

Dillon Brooks and the Memphis Grizzlies have had a contentious history with the Golden State Warriors in recent years, including accusations of dirty plays on both sides. Ahead of a crucial play-in game between the Warriors and Suns on Friday, Brooks made comments indicating he wants the Warriors to beat the Clippers so Phoenix can face Golden State, hinting at the ongoing beef between Brooks and the Warriors.

Why it matters

The Warriors-Grizzlies rivalry has been one of the most intense in the NBA over the past couple of seasons, with both teams accusing the other of playing dirty. Brooks' comments show the bad blood between the two teams continues, adding extra drama and intrigue to their potential playoff matchup.

The details

In the 2022 NBA playoffs, the Warriors defeated Brooks' Grizzlies in six games, with both teams accusing the other of dirty plays. This included Brooks hitting Warriors guard Gary Payton II in the head on a layup attempt, an incident that Brooks was criticized for. After the series, Ja Morant also accused the Warriors of a dirty play when Jordan Poole grabbed his knee, causing Morant to miss games. Now, ahead of a potential Warriors-Suns matchup, Brooks is openly rooting for the Warriors to beat the Clippers so Phoenix can face them, hinting at the ongoing feud.

  • The Warriors and Grizzlies faced off in the 2022 NBA playoffs, with the Warriors winning the series 4-2.
  • The play-in game between the Warriors and Suns is scheduled for Friday, April 17, 2026.

The players

Dillon Brooks

A forward for the Memphis Grizzlies who has been at the center of the team's rivalry with the Golden State Warriors.

Ja Morant

The star point guard of the Memphis Grizzlies who has also been involved in the feud with the Warriors.

Gary Payton II

A guard for the Golden State Warriors who was injured by a hit from Dillon Brooks in the 2022 playoffs.

Draymond Green

A forward for the Golden State Warriors who has also been involved in physical altercations with the Grizzlies.

Jordan Poole

A guard for the Golden State Warriors who was accused of a dirty play that injured Ja Morant in the 2022 playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“I wanted the Warriors to win so we could play them.”

— Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies Forward

What’s next

The winner of the Warriors-Suns play-in game on Friday will advance to the NBA playoffs.

The takeaway

The ongoing feud between Dillon Brooks, the Grizzlies, and the Warriors continues to add drama and intensity to their potential playoff matchups. The bad blood between the two teams shows no signs of cooling, setting the stage for another heated battle on the court.