Houston Rockets' Dillon Brooks Looking Forward to FedExForum Return vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. played four seasons with Dillon Brooks with the Memphis Grizzlies, and every day, he was hard on the former Michigan State prospect. He was hard on Jackson because he wanted to win in Memphis, but more importantly, Brooks saw greatness in Jackson.
Wednesday night, Brooks helped the Houston Rockets defeat his former team in a 117-104 victory inside the Toyota Center. Jackson kept Brooks' motivation in mind en route to his second consecutive 40-point night. He finished with a game-high 44 points on 15 of 24 shooting, seven rebounds, four steals and a block.
When the Rockets extended their home winning streak to 11, the game marked the second time Brooks and Jackson played against each other as opponents. However, Friday night will have a different feel when Brooks plays against the Grizzlies for the first time inside FedExForum.
"I always miss Dillon, and he knows that," Jackson said. "Everybody knows that. I played with him forever. I've been injured with him. I've seen him play injured. I've seen him give his all to that place. They loved him there for a while. That was my brother, and that's beyond sports. That's my boy."
Brooks signed a four-year deal to join the Rockets following an unpleasant departure from the Grizzlies in July. However, Brooks has great memories when reflecting on his time in Memphis.
It was the place where Brooks established himself as one of the league's best defensive wings while laying the groundwork to the Grizzlies success as a western conference powerhouse.
Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) during introductions before the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Toyota Center.
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
When the schedule was released in August, Brooks revealed he circled each game against the Grizzlies. But a return to the FedEx Forum was his most anticipated game.
Returning to Memphis gives Brooks an opportunity to visit friends and staff members he knew for six years. He is most excited about reuniting with his former trainer, Eric Oetter, who missed the Grizzlies' previous two trips to Houston.
"I miss him," Brooks said. "He's been there throughout my whole career. I can't wait to see him when I get there."
Brooks doesn't know what to expect when he steps onto the floor of the Forum for the first time as an opponent. He doesn't know how the reception will be from fans. He doesn't know whether or not the franchise will honor him with a tribute video.
Friday's contest in Memphis will be a special moment for Brooks. But once the ball is tipped, 48 minutes of Brooks' return will be helping the Rockets take a commanding 3-0 regular season lead over the Grizzlies.
After years of harping on Jackson to play to his full potential, Brooks will try to prevent another 40-point effort by the All-Star forward.
"I'm excited," Brooks said. "I miss the Forum. I just can't wait to get out there, shoot on the court, and see what it's all about. We'll see what happens."
