Damian Lillard Calls Out Dillon Brooks Over Sneaky Achilles Move

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks sparked outrage after video replays showed him extending his leg after the whistle and kicking Damian Lillard near the exact left Achilles tendon that previously sidelined Lillard for the entire 2025-26 season.

The incident occurred during the third quarter of Wednesday night's game between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns at the Mortgage Matchup Center.

Portland won the game 132-119, improving to 6-1 on the season.

Phoenix dropped to 1-5.

THE PLAY

Brooks stepped out of bounds during the third quarter.

After the whistle blew, he continued the play by attempting a shot.

As he came down, he extended his right leg and made contact with the back of Lillard's left foot.

The contact occurred directly on the Achilles area.

Lillard immediately turned toward Brooks and confronted him.

The two exchanged words before officials and other players stepped between them.

The situation did not escalate further.

LILLARD'S INJURY HISTORY

Lillard, now 36, completely tore his left Achilles tendon in April 2025.

The injury happened during Game 4 of the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.

He underwent surgery and missed the entire 2025-26 season while recovering.

He returned to Portland in July 2026, signing a three-year deal with the Trail Blazers.

He was still recovering from the Achilles tear when he signed the contract.

This season, the nine-time NBA All-Star is averaging 20.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over seven games.

He is playing 29.7 minutes per game while shooting 42.0% from the field and 31.7% from deep.

BROOKS' REPUTATION

Dillon Brooks has earned a reputation as a dirty player over his career.

This incident is the latest in a long collection of questionable acts.

Just a few nights earlier, Brooks was involved in a confrontation with longtime nemesis Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors.

That game ended in a 116-113 loss for the Suns.

Brooks has only made headlines this season for altercations, not his play.

He signed a three-year, $73 million extension with the Suns in the summer.

The extension was expected to solidify Phoenix's roster.

Instead, Brooks has drawn attention for physical tactics that many consider dirty.

THE AFTERMATH

On the very next play after the confrontation, Lillard blew past Brooks and scored on a reverse layup.

Fired up after the basket, Lillard had a few choice words for Brooks as he stepped over him.

One observer compared the moment to Allen Iverson stepping over Tyronn Lue in the 2001 NBA Finals.

Lillard finished the game with 25 points, three rebounds, and five assists.

He shot 9-of-17 from the field.

Brooks posted 15 points, six rebounds, and two assists in 35 minutes.

He shot 7-of-15 from the field.

The Trail Blazers won the season series against the Suns, having blown Phoenix out 124-83 in their first meeting.

Brooks had 10 points in that first game.

FAN AND MEDIA REACTION

The incident triggered widespread fan backlash on social media.

Multiple video replays circulated online, showing the contact from different angles.

Replays showed Brooks had kicked the back of Lillard's leg, not stepped on it.

Many argued that Brooks has lost the benefit of the doubt because of his history of dirty acts.

Others noted that Lillard's reaction was understandable given his injury history.

Nobody can blame Lillard for reacting like that, one analyst wrote, especially after missing the entire 2025-26 season to rehab the injury.

BROOKS' CAREER CONTEXT

Brooks, 30, has been in the NBA since 2017.

He was drafted by the Houston Rockets with the 45th overall pick.

He played for the Memphis Grizzlies from 2019 to 2023.

He signed with the Suns in 2024.

Throughout his career, Brooks has been involved in multiple controversial incidents.

He has been fined by the NBA for various on-court actions.

He has a history of verbal confrontations with opponents.

His physical style of play has drawn criticism from players, coaches, and fans.

THE LEAGUE'S STANCE

The NBA has not yet announced any disciplinary action against Brooks.

The league typically reviews incidents involving potential dirty play.

Post-whistle contact is generally considered a violation of NBA rules.

Targeting an injured area could result in additional penalties.

The league has fined players for similar actions in the past.

Suns coach Mike Budenholzer did not comment on the incident after the game.

Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups also did not address the play directly.

Lillard did not speak to reporters after the game.

Brooks did not respond to questions about the incident.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE SUNS

The Suns were expected to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season.

After their 1-5 start, that prediction appears accurate.

Brooks' contract extension was designed to bring defensive toughness to Phoenix.

Instead, the team is struggling to win games while Brooks draws negative attention.

The Suns have not made the playoffs since 2024.