In the FIBA World Cup bronze medal game, Dillon Brooks had an outstanding performance as he led Canada to a 127-118 upset victory over Team USA in overtime. Brooks made seven of eight 3-pointers and scored 39 points, becoming only the second player in the last 30 years to make seven 3-pointers in a medal game. This win is monumental for Canada, as it is their first major international basketball medal in 87 years. Brooks was exceptional throughout the tournament, averaging 15 points with an impressive 76.1 true-shooting percentage and earning the tournament’s Best Defensive Player award.
Despite some criticism, particularly due to his performance against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers in last season’s playoffs, the Houston Rockets recently signed Brooks to a four-year, $86 million contract. The hefty price tag raised eyebrows, but the Rockets’ new head coach, Ime Udoka, values Brooks’ defensive abilities and sees him as a vital part of the team’s culture. Brooks is known for his strong defensive skills, and his performance in the World Cup further highlights his value on both ends of the court.
Brooks is not known for his efficiency as a scorer, but his performance against Team USA demonstrated his scoring ability. The Americans underestimated Brooks’ shooting prowess, focusing instead on defending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This gave Brooks the opportunity to showcase his scoring skills and he took full advantage, hitting shots from beyond the arc. While he may not consistently shoot at such high percentages in the NBA, Brooks has the ability to impact the game with timely scoring bursts.
Brooks’ reputation as a loose cannon may overshadow his basketball skills, but his edge and intensity are what make him the player that he is. While some may dismiss him as a joke, Team Canada, the Memphis Grizzlies, and the Houston Rockets recognize his value. Brooks can be unpredictable, but his impact on the game is undeniable. His performance against Team USA is proof that when he is focused and pointed in the right direction, he can be a force to be reckoned with.
