DeMar DeRozan Opens Up About Mid-Season Dispute With Rockets' Dillon Brooks

Bulls' DeMar DeRozan showcased his true feelings for Houston Rockets' forward Dillon Brooks.

Mar 21, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (11) and Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) are separated by game officials team officials during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports | Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports

When the Houston Rockets defeated the Chicago Bulls 127-117 on March 21, the win was not without drama. Dillon Brooks had one of his best-scoring performances of the season by scoring 23 points on 10 of 13 shooting from the field and 3 of 6 from behind the arc.

Unfortunately, his night came to a premature end following a minor quarrel with Bulls' All-Star DeMar DeRozan. Both players received rejections, as DeRozan finished with 16 points in the loss.

The dispute began when DeRozan intentionally ran into Jalen Green, who fell to the ground following the harsh impact. After the seven-time All-Star stood over Green with a petite taunt, Brooks approached DeRozan. His actions led to a quarrel, which featured staff members getting involved while trying to diffuse the situation. 

DeRozan still has strong feelings about the event that took place inside the Toyota Center. The results have led to DeRozan expressing their dislike during his recent guest appearance on The 25/10 Show.

"I’m not going to lie, I just don’t like him — and for two, don’t walk up behind me," DeRozen said. "That’s rule number one, don’t walk up on no man behind him when his back’s turned. Don’t run up behind me, and just don’t talk s***. I respect everybody."

Bulls' DeMar DeRozan Reflects on Dillon Brooks Altercation

"I'm not going to lie, I just don't like him. And for two, don't walk up behind me, that's rule number one, don't walk up on no man behind him when his back's turned."

[via @2510show] pic.twitter.com/jqpaCpNHDi

— BASKETBALL ON 𝕏 (@BASKETBALLonX) June 7, 2024

The fight and ejection gave Brooks his 15th technical foul of the season. However, despite being one technical foul from an automatic suspension, Brooks was able to avoid another problematic situation.

"[Dillon] had a great game, great impact; wish he didn’t get ejected but like I said I don’t mind him standing up for his guys," coach Ime Udoka said after the win in March. "But they say the rules are the guy that kind of instigates it to get it to that step after DeRozan did what he did, he got suspended because of that."

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