Suns' Dillon Brooks Reflects on Kerr's Praise After Playoff Win

Brooks says Kerr's words of encouragement meant a lot after their playoff matchup.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:35am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game or match, with the players and court broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, conveying the intensity and energy of the competition.Kerr's unexpected praise for Brooks' growth and impact highlights the evolving dynamic between the two NBA figures.Houston Today

After the Phoenix Suns defeated the Golden State Warriors to clinch a playoff spot, Suns forward Dillon Brooks reflected on a meaningful conversation he had with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr. Brooks said Kerr had "great words to say" to him, praising Brooks' growth and impact in changing team cultures throughout his career in Memphis, Houston, and now Phoenix.

Why it matters

The interaction between Kerr and Brooks highlights the mutual respect between competitors, even after a hard-fought playoff series. Brooks' journey through different NBA teams also demonstrates his versatility and ability to positively influence team cultures, which Kerr recognized.

The details

In the Suns' win over the Warriors, Brooks' teammate Jalen Green had a strong 36-point performance, bouncing back after struggling against the Warriors in last year's playoffs when he was with the Rockets. Brooks noted that Green had "a lot to prove" in this matchup.

  • The Suns defeated the Warriors on April 17, 2026 to clinch a playoff spot.

The players

Dillon Brooks

A forward for the Phoenix Suns who has played for multiple NBA teams over his career, including the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors, known for his championship pedigree as both a player and coach.

Jalen Green

A guard for the Phoenix Suns who previously played for the Houston Rockets.

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What they’re saying

“He had great words to say to me. Amazing. And I'm glad it was face to face. When somebody that usually says controversial or criticizing things, to come to you after and tell you how great of a job you're doing. He's seen me in Memphis, Houston and now Phoenix. Probably seen me my whole career, to tell me that you're doing great things, you're changing cultures and you're a great player, it means a lot.”

— Dillon Brooks, Phoenix Suns Forward

What’s next

The Suns will continue their playoff push after clinching a spot, while the Warriors will look to rebound from the loss.

The takeaway

Dillon Brooks' interaction with Steve Kerr demonstrates the mutual respect that can develop between competitors, even after a hard-fought playoff series. Brooks' ability to positively impact team cultures across multiple organizations has earned him Kerr's praise.