Polarizing NBA agitator Dillon Brooks sparks heated confrontation with Damian Lillard

Dillon Brooks literally — and physically — went there.The known NBA antagonist appeared to stick his foot near the back of Damian Lillard’s left Achilles, the same one he tore in the 2025 playoffs and sidelined him for all of the 2025-26 season, leading to a heated confrontation during the Trail Blazers’ 132-119 home win over the Suns on Wednesday.Lillard got right in Brooks’ face and voiced his apparent displeasure before a referee broke up the mini fracas.The scene unfolded after Brooks stepped out of bounds with the ball in the third quarter while being guarded by Lillard, leading to the Suns wing hoisting a jumper that did not count.Lillard stuck his hand up despite the whistle, and Brooks came down with his right leg extended.It appeared his foot struck the lower part of Lillard’s left leg, causing the Trail Blazers’ veteran to immediately turn around and start jawing at Brooks.This season marks Lillard’s return after he tore his left Achilles while with the Bucks during the 2025 playoffs, ending a disappointing tenure with the team.The Bucks chose to move on from Lillard that offseason in one final attempt to build another championship contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo.Lillard, 36, returned to the Trail Blazers on a three-year, $42 million deal, although he did not suit up for the team last year while rehabbing.While he’s no longer the elite player of his earlier 11-year Trail Blazers tenure from 2012-23, the guard is averaging 20.1 points across 29.7 minutes per game spanning seven contests.His production has helped Portland to a surprising 6-1 start, with Lillard tying his season-high with 25 points Wednesday.For Brooks, this is yet another chapter that only adds to his reputation as one of the NBA’s chief antagonizers and offers more ammunition to those who consider him a dirty player.He tallied 10 points but a minus-29 rating in the setback....