Dillon Brooks is Extremely Underrated and Very Valuable to Memphis

The Memphis Grizzlies sent the San Antonio Spurs home on Wednesday night, largely thanks to the efforts of Dillon Brooks on both ends of the floor. He had 24 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals in their win, which is above his season average for all four categories. Although he had a huge impact on the offensive end, being the game’s highest scorer, his most impactful contribution came on the defensive end.

Brooks was given the task of guarding San Antonio’s leading scorer DeMar DeRozan, and he stepped up to the challenge big time. The mid-range expert was held to 0% FG in the first half and ended the game shooting about 25% below his season average, thanks to Brooks’ efforts. Although Memphis was up big early on, the game ended up coming down to a few possessions, and Brooks’ efforts on both ends was the key for the Grizzlies win and advancing them to the next play-in round.

INTERESTING FACTS

Averaging 23.4 PPG over his last 5 GP, compared to his season average of 17.2 PPG
Helped hold DeMar DeRozan to 0% shooting in the first half, compared to 49.5% for the season

Odds vs. SAS: MEM -200 (Spread -4.5)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

DILLON BROOKS IS EXTREMELY UNDERRATED AND VERY VALUABLE TO MEMPHIS

COLORS KEY | FULL GRIZZLIES OUTLOOK

Dillon Brooks’ standout performance against the Spurs was far from a fluke or flash in the pan. He doesn’t always look like an All-Star in the box score but Grizzlies fans have been witnessing Brooks’ high-quality play on both ends of the floor all year and it reached its peak with the world watching under the bright lights of the play-in game.

The Grizzlies granted themselves another opportunity to reach the playoffs by eliminating the Spurs and now have a Warriors team on deck that just beat them because of Steph Curry’s brilliance. Brooks will be Memphis’ No.1 reason for optimism in containing Curry and clinching the eighth and final postseason spot.