Dillon Brooks suspended by the NBA after his 16th technical foul of the season
Feb 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard/forward Dillon Brooks (3) reacts to a call in the second half of the game against the Dallas Mavericks at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
The NBA announced Thursday that Dillon Brooks of the Phoenix Suns has received an automatic one-game suspension after being assessed his 16th technical foul of the season. The forward received this technical foul during the second quarter of Wednesday’s 136-109 loss to the Thunder.
A suspension that will take effect after the All-Star Game
With Phoenix entering the All-Star Game break, Brooks’ suspension will not take effect until the February 19th game against the San Antonio Spurs. This timing allows the 30-year-old player to enjoy the break before serving his suspension.
After Wednesday’s loss, Brooks explained to reporters that his technical foul stemmed from his frustration with referee James Williams. He stated that Williams told him during the game that he always plays the victim.
Dillon Brooks has been suspended. pic.twitter.com/caNnkA0NIG
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 12, 2026
For better or worse, Brooks has lived up to his reputation since his summer trade to the Suns. His 21.2 points per game represents a career high, and he has had an energizing effect in the locker room. However, the high volume of technical fouls speaks for itself, and serving as a lightning rod on the court can also motivate opposing teams.
Brooks will need to exercise caution for the rest of the season. When a player reaches 16 technical fouls, an automatic one-game suspension is triggered for every two additional technical fouls. Brooks learned this the hard way in 2023 with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Dillon Brooks is the first player to reach 16 technical fouls & trigger a suspension before the All-Star break since DeMarcus Cousins in 2017
(h/t @keerthikau) pic.twitter.com/hxoFKOcbnT
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) February 12, 2026
This suspension perfectly illustrates Brooks’ intense playing style, which continues to walk the line between passion and indiscipline on NBA courts.
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