Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks (9) looks on as Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts after making a basket during the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen A. Smith clowns Dillon Brooks after Steph Curry destroys him

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/30/23

Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry went viral for a sleek display of skill Sunday, when the All-Star put Dillon Brooks on skates in a sequence leading up to a three-point shot.

On an episode of ESPN's "First Take," Stephen A. Smith weighed in on Curry's dismantling of the outspoken Houston Rockets forward, who in September labeled himself the best defender in the world (h/t: Yahoo).

"You talk about making someone look completely silly and foolish," Smith said. "Usually, those kinds of reactions are for when you get dunked on. This is off a three. Damn, a crossover, a fake, jump all over the place, swinging the legs...He kicked his legs higher than I did on my first pitch."

.@stephenasmith on Steph's reaction to cooking Dillon Brooks

"You talk about making someone look completely silly and foolish." pic.twitter.com/wGBacirldm
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 30, 2023

Brooks has become somewhat of a villain in the NBA. His outspoken nature and on-court aggression have failed to endear him to a wide NBA audience. The viral reaction to his nightmare moment guarding Curry is partly due to fans' distaste for the Rockets veteran. Brooks has made it easy to root against him.

As much as fans are enjoying Brooks's struggles, they are celebrating Curry's greatness. The Golden State Warriors sharpshooter is in his age-35 season. He consistently creates highlights, and even at such a late juncture in his career, he's among the best guards in the world.

Brooks isn't the first player Curry has embarrassed and won't be the last. He may, however, be the most celebrated.

Outside of Houston, everybody seems to be rooting against Brooks. Everything he does is under a microscope. He makes matters worse for himself. It's not that Brooks is a bad player — he's a solid rotational forward with impressive upside. The way in which he approaches things is what's caused him to be cast as a villain.

Curry didn't cook Brooks to be arrogant or mean. He just did what he always does: displayed his greatness for the world to see. The question is, who will be the next player to be taken dancing by the Warriors star? Because it's only a matter of time before he embarrasses someone else.

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