Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks Says Desmond Bane's Troll was 'Friendly Competition'

Dillon Brooks wasn't bothered by Desmond Bane's fourth-quarter troll during the Houston Rockets' win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Dillon Brooks had an epic return to the FedExForum as an opponent. He led the Houston Rockets to a 103-96 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with a season-high 26 points on 10 of 20 shooting, seven rebounds and a block in the win.

He scored 24 points during the second half. However, Grizzlies' Desmond Bane may have played a role in Brooks' second-half eruption.

Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) and Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) are separated by a referee during the second half at FedExForum / Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

With 9:32 left in the fourth quarter, Bane received a technical foul for unsportsmanlike conduct. Bane forced Brooks into committing a turnover and yelled, "You can't dribble," in the face of his former teammate.

Brooks scored 10 points following the incident, which included a clutch 3-point field goal in the final seconds of the fourth quarter.

"I was complicating things," Brooks said. "I should have just blown right by him. It was just friendly competition. He is someone who was my rookie. I am glad the way he has grown."

"You can't dribble" -Desmond Bane to Dillon Brooks

I like this negativity pic.twitter.com/LPnYegXZl9

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod 🇸🇴 (@big_business_) December 16, 2023

When Brooks signed with the Rockets as a free agent in July, he vowed never to lose to his former team. Following his heroic performance Friday night, Brooks improved to 3-0 against the Grizzlies.

Brooks said his return to Memphis was emotional, and despite the unpleasant departure — the organization took the odd step of announcing he wasn't wanted back when he hit free agency. However, he still has love for the organization.

Dillon Brooks Looking Forward to FedExForum Return

"This felt good," Brooks said. "It felt like I was right back at home. The emotions and everything were there, and it was appropriate for us to come back and win...I want to win every single time we play Memphis, just to let them know they made a little mistake."