Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Labels Dillon Brooks a ‘Nice Guy’ After Sweeping Suns 4-0

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander set the record straight on Dillon Brooks’ reputation.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Labels Dillon Brooks a ‘Nice Guy’ After Sweeping Suns 4-0

Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Image credits - Firstsportz)

Dillon Brooks is often labeled as a “villain” for his controversial and questionable acts but if there is one player who knows his true nature, it is his international teammate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Irrespective of the negative portrayal, Brooks has been regarded as a culture setter for the Phoenix Suns this season for his impact and influence on the team.

Unfortunately, the Suns’ 2025-26 campaign has come to an end. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the only team to clean sweep their opponents in the first round of the playoffs after their 131-122 victory over the Suns in Game 4 at the Mortgage Matchup Center on Monday night. The defending champions became the first team to enter the second round.

After the win, SGA praised Brooks as a nice person despite his public and media image.

He’s a great competitor and a great guy. No matter what people say about him, he’s a very nice guy when you get to know him. All that villain stuff doesn’t phase me. I know exactly who Dillon is.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in his post-match press conference

When the Suns sealed their spot as the eight seed in the playoffs, all eyes were on the matchup between Dillon Brooks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The two battled it out for four games and even had a few exchanges during the series.

Brooks has been a revelation for the Suns this season. Not only has he brought in some much-needed tenacity to the franchise, but he has also elevated himself into one of the best two-way players in the league and earned an All-Star shoutout from the NBA community. However, he has had his share of questionable acts and heated exchanges during the course of the campaign. But none of it makes a difference to SGA.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praises Dillon Brooks for his growth this season

When the Suns traded away Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal in the offseason, it looked like the Suns had hit the reset button as they failed to build on their NBA Finals appearance in 2021. While Devin Booker stayed, there weren’t many expectations from the Suns heading into the 2025-26 campaign.

However, the Suns secured a postseason berth after beating the Golden State Warriors in the Play-In Tournament. With Booker in the lineup, Brooks emerged as the leader of the team and showed significant growth in his game.

Dillon Brooks
Dillon Brooks (Image credits – Duane Rankin/X)

SGA praised Brooks for redefining his game at the age of 30.

It’s impressive to redefine yourself this late into a career, very impressive. Usually, you see young guys, like, for myself, it was like my second year, I got to redefine who I was as a basketball player. To do it this late, is really impressive. It just goes to show the work he puts in.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in his press conference

It will be interesting to see what the Suns decide to do in the offseason. Earlier this season, Suns owner Mat Ishiba shut down any potential trade for Brooks. Hence, it looks like Brooks will be spending more time in Phoenix.

Devin Booker calls Shai Gilgeous-Alexander the MVP of the league

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the heavy favorite to win his second consecutive MVP this year. Coming off a historic 2024-25 campaign, SGA has shown no signs of slowing down this season. He recorded another 30+ points per game this season as he averaged 31.1 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.6 assists, while shooting at 55.3% from the field.

After a 4-0 clean sweep, Devin Booker heaped praise on the reigning MVP.

He’s the MVP of the league, and he’s been playing the best basketball in the league for the past two years. They have all the answers to the test.

Devin Booker in his post-match press conference

With SGA and the Thunder through to the Western Conference Semifinals, they await the winner of the Los Angeles Lakers-Houston Rockets series. The Lakers currently lead the series 3-1.

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