Nov 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives down the court beside Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn ImagesClemente Almanza, OKC Thunder WireSat, November 29, 2025 at 7:01 PM UTC·2 min readAlways loving theatrics, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has the unique experience of being by Dillon Brooks' side and on the opposite end. They're teammates on Team Canada, but have faced off over the years as the pesky defender is always matched up against the reigning MVP.
The latest matchup favored Gilgeous-Alexander. He scored 37 points as the Thunder came away with a 123-119 win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday. The 2025 NBA Cup game saw OKC win West Group A and will host Phoenix in the eight-team knockout tournament.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBrooks almost helped the Suns pull off the all-time comeback with 19 points. He had the chance to tie it up in the final seconds. His corner attempt clanked off the rim. Alex Caruso collected the rebound and darted the ball across the court as the final seconds ticked away.
These last two games have seen Gilgeous-Alexander more animated than usual. A big-time pull-up 3-pointer put the Thunder up 118-114 with 1:38 left. That caused the usually calm reigning MVP to burst into emotional celebration. He was still celebrating the bucket as the Suns brought the ball up.
Does facing Brooks give Gilgeous-Alexander some extra motivation? He's helped the Suns get off to a hot start as one of the biggest overachievers so far this season. The reigning MVP smiled and downplayed his peskiness.
"I love playing against Dillon. I've played with him on the national team for a couple of years now," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "He's one of the better competitors I've ever been around. Honestly speaking, brings a great fire to every game he plays. Whether you want to or not, you have to compete against Dillon or he's going to take advantage of you."
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the average NBA fan might recognize Brooks for his in-game trolling, his track record speaks for itself. He helped the Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets carve out a defense-first culture where the sum is better than the individual parts.
And it looks like Brooks is doing the same thing on the Suns. Nobody expected much from them after they traded away Kevin Durant, but it's been a fun squad to watch where Devin Booker is complemented by a bunch of veteran role players who fit his style.
"Love playing against a guy like that," Gilgeous-Alexander said. "Brings energy and fire to the game every night."
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 'loves' playing against Dillon Brooks
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