Dillon Brooks takes aim at Oklahoma City Thunder over foul calls before Suns playoff series

Dillon Brooks has stirred controversy ahead of the Phoenix Suns’ playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, criticising their style of play.

Speaking after the Suns secured the final Western Conference playoff spot, Brooks took aim at the defending champions during a postgame interview.

“There’s a bunch of foul baiters on that team. Hopefully the refs treat it like the real playoffs and there’s not too many fouls”, he said.

His remarks come as Phoenix prepare to face Oklahoma City in the first round, following their play-in victory.

The comments echo long-standing criticism of the Thunder, particularly surrounding star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and his ability to draw fouls.

Similar concerns were raised last season by Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, who said: “It’s so frustrating to play this team because they foul a ton. They really do,” Finch said.

“They foul. They foul all the time. And then you can’t really touch Shai. It’s a very frustrating thing, and it takes a lot of mental toughness to play through it.”

Gilgeous-Alexander previously dismissed such criticism, stating: “I don’t care, not one bit. I can’t control how the refs blow the whistle ever. I’ve never been able to. Never been a ref. All I can do is play basketball, and that’s all I focus on. Try to win games and win championships.”