Dillon Brooks earns praise from Steve Kerr and Draymond Green

After Phoenix's 111-96 win that clinched the No. 8 seed, Warriors coach Steve Kerr and Draymond Green offered public praise for Suns forward Dillon Brooks, noting his impact and mentality.

Dillon Brooks was stopped by Golden State coach Steve Kerr after the Suns' 111-96 win that secured Phoenix the Western Conference's eighth seed. Brooks raised his hands in celebration and moved across the court toward Golden State players when Kerr spoke with him. Draymond Green also spoke to reporters, praising the Suns' coaching and players and singling out Brooks for his influence on team mentality. Brooks has had a history of on-court incidents involving Warriors players that has drawn attention in prior seasons. Key facts: - The Phoenix Suns beat Golden State 111-96 and clinched the West's No. 8 seed. - Steve Kerr stopped Brooks after the game and offered direct, positive remarks to him. - Brooks said Kerr told him he was "doing great things" and that the praise meant a lot. - Draymond Green credited Phoenix coach Jordan Ott and Devin Booker, and also praised Brooks's impact on team mentality. - The article notes past incidents between Brooks and Golden State players, including a 2022 hard foul on Gary Payton II that fractured Payton's wrist and a later on-court contact with Stephen Curry that drew criticism. - Phoenix will open its first-round series against the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder with Game 1 on Sunday. Summary: The postgame interaction and public comments from Steve Kerr and Draymond Green represent a notable moment of recognition for Dillon Brooks amid a career marked by contentious moments with the Warriors. The Suns have advanced to the first round and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1 on Sunday.