The heated moment between Kevin Durant and Dillon Brooks during the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns grabbed a lot of limelight. But Durant refused to count it as some kind of extra motivation.

The Houston Rockets visited the Phoenix Suns on April 7, where they defeated the holse side 119-105. Amid the game, Brooks started trash-talking with Durant, and the Rockets forward replied with a savage tone, telling Brooks his worst season was better than Brooks' best season. 

Suns reporter Duane Rankin asked Durant if Brooks' talking gave him some kind of motivation. To which Durant replied. “He don't get that type of credit with me. Maybe some other guys that may turn up cause he talk to them, but he's not that important, especially with me to get me going.”

Durant made it clear that he wakes up ready to play every single day. He stated that he wasn't affected by Brooks' talking.

The mention of "other guys" seemed aimed at players like LeBron James, who often engage with Brooks. However, he respects Brooks' overall approach to the game. He acknowledged that talking helps Brooks become a better player.

This clash was just another chapter in an ongoing season of verbal disruptions by Brooks

Dillon Brooks’ Disruptive Style Continues to Fuel NBA Rivalries

Brooks is widely known for targeting star players on opposing teams. His main goal is to disrupt their offensive rhythm on the court. Brooks has repeatedly baited LeBron James. He also called Joel Embiid a "f****** p***" during a heated audio exchange.

Luka Doncic recently named him the biggest trash-talker in the NBA. Back in November 2025, Brooks jawed at the Rockets bench. He called Alperen Sengun a flopper and argued with coach Ime Udoka.

Durant and Brooks also share an unsettled past. They had a heated exchange during a previous Suns-Rockets clash. Brooks eventually lost his cool and cursed directly at a referee. That sudden outburst led to his ejection. 

Former teammate Fred VanVleet has publicly criticized his behavior. On the other hand, coach Udoka praises Brooks' toughness but still checks him when needed. 

Brooks calls his specific strategy "poking bears" to test opponents. He refuses to bow down to anyone, claiming real competitors do not smile on the court. 

As of April 8, 2026, Brooks has not responded to Durant's post-game comments. Do you agree with the Brooks’ approach on the court? 

Read more at Air Jordan Chronicles!

Written by

Utsav Sinha

Edited by

Souvik Roy