Suns' Dillon Brooks Suspended After 16th Technical Foul

The NBA announced Thursday that Phoenix’s Dillon Brooks will serve an automatic one-game suspension after his 16th technical foul, picked up in the second quarter of Wednesday’s 136-109 loss to Oklahoma City. Because of the All-Star break the ban will not take effect until Feb. 19 at San Antonio. Brooks said the tech came from frustration with referee James Williams and claimed Williams told him he was "playing victim all the time." Merlin notes Brooks has lived up to his reputation since joining the Suns. He is scoring a career-high 21.2 points and brings energy in the locker room, but frequent techs can swing games and invite more penalties. After 16 techs another one-game suspension is automatic for every two additional techs. Brooks learned that lesson in 2023 with Memphis, so Phoenix needs him measured or his heat could harm more than help.