Phoenix Suns starting forward Dillon Brooks was assessed a flagrant 1 for striking Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren during Sunday's Game 1 of their NBA Western Conference first round playoff series.
It happened at the 7:04 mark of the first quarter with the Suns on offense as the Thunder held a 14-12 lead. After getting the pass from guard Collin Gillespie, Brooks bumped Thunder guard Jalen Williams while dribbling to give himself some space. Brooks was not called for a foul, but he lost the ball after dribbling into Williams a second time. Brooks tried to reach for it with his left arm, but Holmgren easily grabbed it. However, Brooks quickly threw his arm up to distract Holmgren as he tried to pass it and ended up hitting him right in the face.
Dillon Brooks turns the ball over, tries to reach for the ball and slaps Chet Holmgren all over the face (with replays).
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) April 19, 2026
A flagrant-1 upon official review. pic.twitter.com/lIioPDgk9T
Officials blew the whistle immediately to call the foul on Brooks, his first of the game. However, after an official review, they upgraded the foul to a flagrant 1 as they deemed the contact above the shoulder to be unnecessary. Brooks has a reputation for being extremely physical, with frequent flagrant fouls and ejections coming with that as part of the package. Sometimes the over-the-top nonsense is a bit too much.
Brooks remained in the game, but his rough play did not seem to impact the Thunder. At halftime, the Thunder led the Suns 65-44, with Holmgren leading the OKC Thunder with 16 points. Brooks also had 16 points but 3 fouls as well.
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports).
