Rockets forward Brooks gets one-game NBA ban for technicals

NEW YORK, United States — Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks was suspended for one game without pay by the NBA on Thursday (Friday, Manila time), after receiving his 16th technical foul of the season.

NBA rules dictate a player or coach is suspended for one game after accumulating 16 technical fouls during a regular season and for each two additional technical fouls in the regular season is banned for an additional game.

Brooks was whistled for his most recent technical foul with 7:12 remaining in the first quarter of the Rockets' 143-105 victory over the visiting Utah Jazz Thursday (Manila time).

On the play, Brooks kicked Utah guard Collin Sexton in the groin.

The suspension will be served by Brooks on Friday, when the Rockets host the Oklahoma City Thunder, who lead the Western Conference with an NBA-best record of 64-12.

The 29-year-old Canadian, who spent six seasons with Memphis before joining the Rockets last season, is averaging 14.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists a game this season.

Houston ranks second in the West with a 50-27 record. The Rockets have clinched their first playoff appearance since 2020.