Rockets forward Dillon Brooks took exception to the idea that teammate Amen Thompson could be viewed as a dirty player for the play that injured Warriors star Jimmy Butler in Game 2 of the Houston/Golden State series. Asked about the subject on Friday, Brooks suggested that Butler’s teammate Draymond Green was more to blame, as Kristie Rieken of The Associated Press relays.
“I think the dirty player is Draymond, giving him a little push as regular basketball players do,” Brooks said. “And Jimmy’s fighting in the air for a rebound and stuff happens. Amen’s not a dirty player. He has (nothing) to do with being a dirty player.”
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after Game 2 that he and the Warriors “didn’t think there was anything wrong with the play,” suggesting that it was unfortunate but intentional. Kerr and his players didn’t think much of Brooks’ claim about Green, given the reputation that the Rockets forward has earned himself over the years.
“Dillon said that? Interesting,” Kerr replied when informed of Brooks’ remarks.
“It’s a little ironic, isn’t it?” Moses Moody said of Brooks’ comments, per ESPN.
We have more from around the Western Conference:
- If Butler is forced to miss Game 3 as a result of his pelvic injury, will the Warriors lean on Jonathan Kuminga as his primary replacement? Sam Gordon of The San Francisco Chronicle weighs that question, given that Kuminga had been out of the rotation for three games and made just 4-of-12 shots from the field in his return to action on Wednesday. Anthony Slater of The Athletic also touches on that topic in a story with Kelly Iko of The Athletic that explores the keys to the series going forward.
- In addition to the front office members reported earlier this week to be departing the Pelicans amid a basketball operations shake-up, veteran scout Chico Averbuck, who has been with the team since 2020, is leaving the organization, reports Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link). Averbuck had strong ties to former head of basketball operations David Griffin, Scotto notes, having also worked with Griffin in Cleveland.
- The Grizzlies were left searching for answers after blowing a 29-point first half lead and losing Game 3 to Oklahoma City on Thursday. Scotty Pippen Jr. said the game – which also included a Ja Morant hip injury – was “definitely frustrating,” while Santi Aldama, asked if it was the worst loss he has ever experienced, replied, “It would be hard to find another one like this.” William Guillory of The Athletic has the full story, with more quotes.
Not sure Brooks is the person you want defending you lol
Brooks is mostly defending his teammate. Bc it’s absolutely asinine to believe Amen Thompson is a dirty player or purposely hurt Jimmy. Even Kerr said no one on their staff felt it was on purpose. Unfortunately the internet will run with any narrative for clicks and slander someone for an accident.
You do know there is a video on YouTube showing a bunch of dirty plays by Thompson. Only his 2nd year and 5 reckless plays. FYI watch the video from under the basket no push by Green just a reckless play if he didn’t do it on purpose.
Arc man I get it you’re a GS fan. But there’s no way in hell he was being dirty or “reckless.” You have bodies going for a rebound. There’s no one at fault. Brooks imo is wrong for insinuating Draymond did anything wrong. Your fan base defended Zaza until they were blue in the face when he hurt Kawhi and that was infinitely more “reckless” than what Amen did.
I like both the Thompsons being also born in OAK, but he tries to squeeze between 2 bigs when he clearly had no space and tripped on feet. Its a reckless play where he had very little chance of influencing the play and a high chance of hurting himself or others crashing into traffic like that. I dont think he was trying to do anything to anyone he was just a young player trying too hard. I doubt he makes that play 5 years from now.
Im fine with the NBA adding a flagrant anytime a player takes the legs out of a player in the air. I think those plays are some of the most likely for a more severe injury of any in basketball so getting them out of the game as much as possible would be a benefit to the league.
Now Brooks pulling down Payton in the 22 playoffs and breaking his arm is the definition of a dirty play hitting a airborne player from behind…..
Arc legit question – have you looked at a compilation of Greens dirty plays? Not trying to hate but your bias has got you in the grip it seems. I’m a rockets fans obviously so I’m sure I’m biased too. I guess a more diplomatic question is why don’t you apply the same scrutiny to Green/Warriors that you do Thompson/Houston? Jalen Greens play was so much more obvious and worse for example.
Moody cooked Brooks there, lmao
I don’t the Warriors will have to lean on Kuminga as much as writer’s think. Podz was sick and is in his first playoffs. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him get 20pts and 5-10 rebounds. He has done it before. Post seems to keep getting better with each game, 15pts and 5-7 rebounds for him. Of course, Kuminga had the best game of his career this year against the Rockets. It’ll keep the Rockets from double teaming Curry.
But, the need to take care of the ball, minimize the turnovers.
Moody better watch out next game, you know Dillon is coming lol
Wouldnt be surprised if this is the game he gets ejected from. Its for sure happening this series.
I so much hope Kuminga can get out of GSW this summer and go some place where he can be the star player that he is, instead of wasting his talents in the Bay Area!
“Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said after Game 2 that he and the Warriors “didn’t think there was anything wrong with the play,” suggesting that it was unfortunate but (????) ———intentional. Kerr and his players didn’t think much of Brooks’ claim about Green, given the reputation that the Rockets forward has earned himself over the years.”
First I think the word (NOT) was omitted here. That play was not intentional. Amen is young anf aggressive not dirty. You have to be in the L yrs before owning dirty. Like Dra and Brooks have. So give it a Freakin break.
I know Jimmy wants to play. Team better do what’s right. You will need him for series. Don’t worry about one gm. Time for Kuminga to shine. This is a team game. So everyone needs to step up. That’s how you get the best out of Kuminga.
Thompson is a great talent. I wouldn’t want to antagonize him. He and Green will come to play. Without Jimmy best thing. Is to have a HOF Curry night. He could go for 40. Team has to support him. Not just pray he saves them. Jimmy is the one who gets everyone involved on O and D. That goes unnoticed by most fans. Both teams have something to prove. Should be a good game.