Dillon Brooks wasted little time making his feelings known about the Phoenix Suns’ culture reset. He took a pointed shot at former franchise cornerstone Kevin Durant while thanking majority owner Matt Ishbia for addressing the locker room’s past issues. Brooks fired the jab through an Instagram story featuring an intense photo of himself roaring in a Suns jersey. It was accompanied by 50 Cent’s confrontational track “Back Down.” His caption left little room for interpretation.
“Thanks Matt for cleaning up that stench in the locker room before I came #culture”
-Dillon Brooks
(via Dillonbrooks24 /IG) https://t.co/EFQFVtIj9v pic.twitter.com/oyjhV4p9lZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 18, 2026
“Thanks Matt for cleaning up that stench in the locker room before I came #culture.”
The post arrived amid a public exchange between Ishbia and Durant, now with the Houston Rockets. That’s after the Suns owner reflected on Phoenix’s previous roster construction during an appearance on CNBC Sport.
“I kind of just threw money at the problem,” Ishbia admitted.
He added that signing superstars such as Durant does not automatically produce championships. Durant subsequently mocked Ishbia’s comments on social media. He challenged the narrative surrounding Phoenix’s cultural transformation. Brooks’ intervention adds another layer to the rivalry, particularly with the Suns and Rockets potentially crossing paths in a season loaded with intrigue. Phoenix has emphasized identity, accountability, and roster depth. Brooks’ unapologetic approach fits that direction.
Brooks also enters the regular season with encouraging preseason momentum. He erupted for 24 points in 23 minutes against the Chicago Bulls. That was followed by 15 points in Phoenix’s 102-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. After sitting out the subsequent road exhibition alongside resting starters, he returned for the preseason finale against the Utah Jazz. That’s where he scored 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting in 23 minutes. His scoring consistency, perimeter shooting, and defensive edge give Phoenix a reliable source of intensity heading into its opener against Portland.
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