When the Rockets signed Dillon Brooks two summers ago, they expected him to be a veteran leader and defensive anchor for the young squad. Well, he has done exactly that—for the most part. With him in the lineup, the Rockets have had the third best defensive rating in the league this season at 110.1. But there are times when Dillon’s poor decision making and controversial antics cause unnecessary trouble for his team. Tonight was one of them!

The incident occurred in the opening minutes of the Jazz encounter. As Brooks received a pass near the basket, he posted up Collin Sexton, hoping to bully his way inside. However, Sexton showcased his elite defense and stripped the ball off Dillon’s hands, forcing a turnover. Having lost possession, the Rockets star extended his leg while in the shooting motion and kicked Sexton in the groin area. The official immediately called a foul on Dillon as Collin fell to his knees in immense agony.

Even the on-air broadcasters called Brooks out for his seemingly dirty act. One said, “Dillon’s in the post-up, turns and woah, kung fu action there man.” His colleague added, “Brooks ends up getting him I’m assuming somewhere south of the equator. This is something they might end up looking at for a hostile act.”

That’s exactly what official Tony Brothers did and upon review, Dillon was penalized with a technical foul for kicking the ball first followed by a kick to Sexton. What’s concerning is that this was his sixteenth tech of the season, which means Brooks will serve a one-game suspension and will not suit up against the Thunder on Friday.

Of course, that’s a huge blow for the Rockets who are trying to stay ahead of the third-seeded Nuggets. With Dillon out, they will miss a solid two-way player, averaging 13.9 points and nearly four rebounds. And it will be extremely difficult to beat West’s best team shorthanded. Obviously, this is not the first time Dillon’s antics have landed him in trouble.

Revisiting Dillon Brooks—DeMar DeRozan altercation as another suspension looms for Rockets star

While there are multiple instances where Brooks’ emotions got the better of him, a pretty recent one occurred earlier this month during the Kings clash. Midway during the third quarter, the Rockets star matched up with DeMar DeRozan in an iso play. Using his physicality, Dillon managed to force a turnover on Deebo, but the situation escalated when DeRozan began complaining to the refs for a foul and pointed at Brooks.

Sure enough, there were unresolved issues between the two stars from last year when they got into a heated physical altercation and got ejected from the game. So, Brooks was not having any of DeMar’s antics this time and got right in his face, exchanging some words. The rising tensions led to a heated shoving match, and both players received a tech for their actions.

Well, there is no denying Dillon’s talent. That’s why the Rockets offered him a $80 million deal. But if he cannot keep his emotions in check, especially when his team is fighting hard to gain an edge in the playoffs, then all the skill might be of no use.

Now that Brooks is on his sixteenth tech, every further tech this season will cost him $5,000 in fine. Moreover, after every two technical fouls, he will face another suspension. So, he needs to be very cautious moving forward or it will be his team that ends up facing the consequences of his actions.