Rockets' Brooks faces 1-game ban after 16th tech
Written by I Dig Sports
HOUSTON -- Rockets forward Dillon Brooks faces an automatic one-game suspension after he was whistled for his 16th technical foul of the season during the first quarter of Wednesday's 143-105 win over the Utah Jazz.
If the technical foul is not rescinded, Brooks would be suspended for Friday's home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Brooks received his 16th technical foul just three days after he was ejected Sunday during a win over the Phoenix Suns for his role in a brief shoving match with Kevin Durant.
On Wednesday night, Brooks' technical came just 4 minutes, 48 seconds into the game while trying to post up Utah guard Collin Sexton near the basket. With his back to Sexton, Brooks spun inside to attempt a turnaround jumper. But Sexton swiped the ball away before Brooks could get off the shot.
During the follow-through, Brooks kicked out his right leg, which appeared to strike Sexton near the groin. Sexton immediately doubled over in pain, as officials whistled a stop in play. After a brief review, referee Tony Brothers announced a technical foul for Brooks, resulting in a free throw for Sexton.
Once a player reaches 16 technical fouls in a season, a potential suspension will increase by one game for every two additional technicals he receives.
An eighth-year veteran, Brooks is averaging 13.9 points, 3.7 assists and 1.7 assists this season.