The uniform has changed, but it looks like DeMar DeRozan’s feelings for Dillon Brooks haven’t. Last year, while he was still on the Bulls roster, Deebo got into a heated physical altercation with the Rockets forward during a regular season game. Sure enough, both players got ejected for their actions. Turns out, there is still some bad blood left between the two as DeRozan and Brooks locked horns once again during tonight’s Rockets vs Kings clash.

The incident unfolded midway through the third quarter when DeMar DeRozan went to work in the post and matched up against Dillon Brooks—who, as always, was using his physicality to gain an edge.

It worked. DeRozan lost control of the ball, accidentally dribbling it off his foot. But instead of moving on, he turned to the officials, pointing at Brooks and demanding a foul call.

Naturally, Brooks wasn’t having it. He got right in DeRozan’s face, and the two exchanged heated words. Then, things escalated—Brooks shoved DeRozan hard, taking the tension to another level.

Thankfully, their teammates stepped in and separated them, stopping the issue from escalating further. However, the damage was already done as the official penalized both players with a double technical foul. But they would be happy that they did not get booted from the game like last time.

Well, last year’s altercation began after DeRozan ran into Jalen Green, throwing him to the floor and even risking a potential injury. Coming to his teammate’s rescue, Brooks charged at Deebo from the back. Then, both players grabbed each other’s jerseys and got into a heated back and forth.

Teammates and staff quickly stepped in to break things up, but both players were ejected on the spot. No surprise there—there’s real tension between them. DeMar hasn’t been shy about his feelings toward Brooks, and this just added more fuel to the fire.

DeMar DeRozan admits he “Doesn’t Like” Dillon Brooks following Heated Altercation

Soon after their altercation, Deebo was asked about his thoughts on Dillon on a podcast. Without giving a second thought about it, he said, “I’m not going to lie, I just don’t like him. And for two, don’t walk up behind me, that’s rule number one, don’t walk up on no man behind him when his back’s turned.” Of course, Brooks is the kind of player who is loved by his teammates and despised by his opponents.

That’s because he plays the role of a disruptor, trying to get in opponents’ heads with his antics. Sure, sometimes his actions backfire like they did against LeBron James in the playoffs two years ago. Well, Brooks disrespected LBJ by calling him “old” during a postgame interview, but it sparked a fire in the four-time champion and Dillon’s team got eliminated in six games.

But Brooks has done wonders in Houston since joining the Rockets, as he is averaging 13.5 points and four rebounds this year. Moreover, the team is holding strong as the fifth seed in the West. So, love him or hate him, you cannot deny Brooks’ impact on winning. Do you agree?