Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks has been handed a one-game suspension for his 16th technical foul of the season, the NBA announced on Thursday.
Brooks received his latest technical foul during the Rockets’ game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. In the first quarter, while being defended by Collin Sexton, Brooks lost possession of the ball and kicked it, making contact with Sexton below the belt.
Initially ruled as a kicked ball, the incident was later reviewed and deemed a technical foul. Sexton briefly stayed down after the incident but was able to make a free throw.
As a result of the suspension, Brooks will miss the Rockets’ upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. According to NBA regulations, Brooks could face further suspensions for every two technical fouls he receives upon his return.
Brooks’ 15th technical foul occurred earlier in the week when he was ejected from a game against the Phoenix Suns for getting into a physical altercation with Kevin Durant and Nick Richards.
Known for his aggressive playing style, Brooks has garnered a reputation as a controversial figure in the league. This season, he has accumulated 239 fouls, tying him with Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons for the most fouls in the NBA.
In 2022, Brooks was previously suspended by the NBA for exceeding the technical foul limit while playing for the Memphis Grizzlies. His on-court behavior led to a suspension in March after reaching his 16th tech, followed by another suspension for accruing additional technical fouls upon his return.
Following his recent suspension, Brooks is expected to return to action as the Rockets take on the Golden State Warriors on Sunday. Despite Brooks’ disciplinary issues, the Rockets are performing well this season, currently holding the second spot in the Western Conference with a record of 50-27 and five games remaining in the regular season.