Suns Announce Dillon Brooks News After Leaving Magic Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Feb 21, 2026 6:23 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns have been one of the NBA’s biggest surprises this season, remaining one of the league’s better teams despite trading superstar Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets this past offseason.

A major reason for their unexpected success is the emergence of small forward Dillon Brooks, one of the key players Phoenix received in the deal.

The 30‑year‑old has taken a clear step forward in an expanded offensive role, improving his scoring efficiency while maintaining the same defensive versatility that has defined his nine-year career.

Through his first 49 appearances, Brooks is averaging 21.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.1 steals while shooting 44.1% from the field and 34.3% from beyond the arc.

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Suns entered Saturday’s home game against the Orlando Magic looking to bounce back from back‑to‑back losses. Brooks did not open the night particularly well, hitting just two of his first seven shots for five points while adding three rebounds in his first seven minutes.

However, his inconsistent start may not have been entirely his fault. Brooks was seen grabbing at his left hand after several shot attempts, and moments later he checked out of the game with Collin Gillespie replacing him.

He headed to the locker room in visible discomfort, and the Suns provided no immediate update on his status. He did not return during the first half, raising the level of concern.

As the second half was set to begin, the Suns announced that Brooks had been ruled out for the remainder of the game with a left hand injury (h/t Kellan Olson of Arizona Sports).

Dillon Brooks (left hand injury) will not return, per Suns
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) February 21, 2026

If Brooks’ injury turns out to be more than a minor setback, it would be a significant blow for a Suns team already shorthanded.

All‑Star guard Devin Booker is expected to miss at least the next week with a hip strain, leaving Phoenix without its top scorer. Losing Brooks at the same time would make generating offense extremely difficult, especially during a crucial stretch of the season.

The Suns currently sit seventh in the Western Conference and have no margin for error as they try to avoid falling into the play‑in tournament.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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