PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns weren’t supposed to matter this season. After moving on from Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal last offseason, the expectation from NBA analysts was that Phoenix would encounter a reset, regroup, and remain on the fringe. Instead, Phoenix flipped the narrative, finishing 45–37 and claiming the West’s seventh seed, an outcome rooted less in star power and more in identity. Although, who was the most impactful player this season for Phoenix that led this whole charge?
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Sep 24, 2025; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1), forward Dillon Brooks (3) and guard Jalen Green (4) pose for portrait during Media Day at PHX Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Yes, Devin Booker remained the engine. His scoring gravity and playmaking stabilized the offense, while Jalen Green added flashes of explosive upside despite inconsistency. But they only added to help define the Suns’ transformation. That responsibility fell to Dillon Brooks.
Oct 22, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) and forward Dillon Brooks (3) during the second half against the Sacramento Kings at the Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dillon Brooks didn’t just fill a role; he reshaped expectations. Phoenix became tougher, louder, and more connected defensively. The Suns’ defensive efficiency jumped noticeably, reflecting his ability to disrupt rhythm and dictate tone. His on-court presence translated into measurable grit with more forced turnovers, tighter perimeter contests, and an emotional edge that carried through all four quarters.
Jan 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks (3) and Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) guard Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray (13) during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
For fans, Brooks represented something deeper than stats. He embodied resistance. Every technical foul, every defensive stop, every stare-down reinforced a message that this team wouldn’t be easy anymore. That psychological shift matters. Championship-caliber teams aren’t built solely on talent; they’re built on identity. Brooks gave Phoenix one. He became the emotional barometer, the player teammates rallied behind when games tightened, and composure wavered. While Booker remains the foundation, Brooks was the catalyst. He turned a written-off roster into a playoff team by redefining effort and accountability. In a season shaped by doubt, Dillon Brooks was one of the brightest sparks that made it all burn brighter.
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Reporter Benjamin Bliklen covers the Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, and Phoenix Suns for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @BenBliklen
