Dillon Brooks Looks Ahead to Emotional Matchup With Former Coach Ime Udoka

After another home win for the Phoenix Suns, Dillon Brooks’ attention quickly shifted from the night’s result to the challenge waiting on Monday. The former Houston Rockets forward, now in his first season with Phoenix, is preparing for his first meeting against head coach Ime Udoka since their time together in Houston.

Brooks and Udoka developed a strong bond during their partnership, which was built on discipline, accountability, and cultural transformation within the Rockets organization. Their shared vision helped shape Houston’s identity before Brooks was included in the trade that brought Kevin Durant to Phoenix.

Now, both sides have moved forward with new missions. Brooks has embraced the role of reinforcing Phoenix’s defensive mindset, while Durant continues to anchor the Rockets’ evolving culture under Udoka. The upcoming matchup promises emotion, competition, and a glimpse into how far both teams have come.

Speaking after the Suns’ latest victory, Brooks admitted he is eager for the reunion — and is already thinking about who will draw the assignment of guarding him once the ball goes up.

1. A Reunion Rooted in Culture

Brooks didn’t hide his excitement when asked whether Monday’s game carries extra weight. With a grin, he said he planned to rest, fuel up, and be ready to see Udoka again — a playful acknowledgment of a coach who left a mark on him. His added comment about wondering “who is going to be guarding me” suggested a competitive edge already building. His relationship with Udoka was instrumental during his time in Houston, where the coach emphasized toughness, preparation, and situational awareness. Brooks thrived under that structure, and his move to Phoenix has brought similar expectations to a Suns team seeking a more defined identity. While statistics alone might paint Brooks as an average contributor, his value is often better captured through intangibles: defensive intelligence, physicality, and unwavering competitiveness. These qualities have quickly become fixtures in Phoenix’s system. Just 17 games into the season, the Suns believe Brooks’ approach has already helped shift the team’s on-court culture, one they hope will carry them through the grind of the Western Conference race.

2. Suns Continue Building Identity

Even without Kevin Durant available for the Houston matchup, Phoenix expects to carry its momentum forward. Udoka’s presence on the opposing sideline adds narrative spice, but the focus for Phoenix remains tied to its long-term goals and emerging consistency. Brooks’ voice and energy have become important factors in that progression. His willingness to embrace confrontation — both verbal and physical — has influenced teammates, who have adopted a more resilient style of play. That edge has been instrumental in the Suns’ solid 11–6 start, a record that has surpassed early-season expectations. Phoenix entered the year with questions about leadership and defensive toughness, areas where Brooks has taken ownership. His influence extends beyond box scores, contributing to an identity that emphasizes grit, communication, and urgency. The Rockets game presents a timely test for a Suns team still solidifying its place among Western contenders, and the emotional undertones could fuel the group through the full 48 minutes.

3. Houston Challenge Brings Added Motivation

For Brooks, facing his former coach and teammates is an opportunity to measure progress — both personal and organizational. His anticipation of who will guard him hints at the competitive animation that defined his Houston tenure. Udoka, on the other hand, continues to shape the Rockets around the disciplined structure he and Brooks once developed together. Even without Durant in the lineup, Houston’s defense and physicality will provide Phoenix with one of its tougher early-season matchups. The Suns understand the importance of maintaining intensity, particularly in games where emotional subplots are at play. For a team trending upward, Monday represents more than a reunion; it is a chance to validate the cultural reset Brooks has helped spearhead. Whether through defense, communication, or the inevitable on-court exchanges, Brooks’ presence will likely influence both the tone and tempo of the contest.