After an outstanding performance in Sunday’s 2023 FIBA World Cup elimination game versus top-ranked Spain, Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks drew lots of praise for his play in Canada’s win.
In postgame comments, Brooks said he felt like it was the best game of his basketball career, given what was at stake for his team.
Buy Rockets TicketsOver the days since, that effusive praise for Brooks has extended to his prominent NBA teammates on Canada’s World Cup roster.
Courtesy of Antonis Stroggylakis of Eurohoops.net, we have reaction from Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and New York’s RJ Barrett to what Brooks has pulled off in recent games.
Gilgeous-Alexander said:
Special. One for the books, He’s a leader. He does the right things on the basketball floor. He plays with the right energy. He was rewarded tonight.
Barrett chimed in:
Not surprised. He’s been doing that his whole life. For him to have a game like that was huge.
Brooks has seemingly found the World Cup experience refreshing, which comes after his recent NBA move from Memphis to Houston.
“Coming off a tough year with my old squad [the Grizzlies] it was great having a refresh with Canadian blood,” Brooks said, per Eurohoops.net. “Guys who believe in me. Guys who trust in me. It was great to win this game in a great fashion.”
Read on for highlights, as well as additional interviews and analysis.
Dillon Brooks, Canada vs. Spain
Dillon Brooks’ full highlights from his game against Spain along with his 4th quarter stats:
11 PTS | 4/5 FG | 3/3 3PT 🎯
Clutch shooting along with elite defense the entire game. Amazing performance.pic.twitter.com/0kZ3S2B3kJ https://t.co/R9pXb3BPoO
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) September 4, 2023
Locked on Rockets on FIBA Dillon Brooks
Announcer reaction to FIBA Dillon Brooks
“SGA was the MVP of this game, but Dillon Brooks was phenomenal on both ends of the floor in the 4th quarter, they don’t win without him today” pic.twitter.com/QwiE8DAGzh
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) September 3, 2023
Dillon Brooks postgame interview vs. Spain
SAUGA CITY STAND UP — pic.twitter.com/D8XqkfIAIU
— Arash Madani (@ArashMadani) September 3, 2023
Thread of key fourth-quarter plays
A little horns set to get Dillon Brooks the open 3.
Lead down to 9. pic.twitter.com/N16y9D7QaJ
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) September 4, 2023
Full EuroHoops.net article on Dillon Brooks
Asked Dillon Brooks if this was the best game in his career, given what was at stake
"Yeah, I feel like it. Coming off a tough year with my whole squad, it was great having a refresh with Canadian blood. Guys who believe & trust in me. We figured out how to win in great fashion"
— Antonis Stroggylakis (@AStroggylakis) September 3, 2023
