Dillon Brooks Scores Career High 40 as Suns Defeat Pistons in Key Western Conference Update

PHOENIX -- Phoenix delivered one of its most complete performances of the season Thursday night as Dillon Brooks scored a career high 40 points to lead the Suns to a 114 to 96 win over the Eastern Conference leading Detroit Pistons, a result that carried immediate impact for both teams playoff outlooks.

Brooks controlled the game from the opening quarter and finished 13 of 22 from the field with eight rebounds, closing his night with a driving layup that pushed the Suns lead to 105 to 89 with 5:43 remaining. He had already surpassed his previous career high of 37 points, set with Memphis in 2021, by the end of the third quarter. The performance marked the highest scoring game by a Suns forward this season and underscored Brooks growing offensive role.

Grayson Allen added 24 points as Phoenix won for the fifth time in seven games and moved to 29 and 19, reaching 10 games above .500 for the first time this season. The Suns maintained control throughout the fourth quarter and never allowed Detroit to seriously threaten late, continuing a recent stretch of improved efficiency on both ends of the floor.

Detroit, which entered the night having won nine of its previous 11 games, was led by Cade Cunningham with 26 points. Jalen Duren added 23 points and 13 rebounds, but the Pistons struggled to slow Phoenix’s perimeter shooting and fell behind early. The loss was just Detroits third in its last 12 games but highlighted the challenge of maintaining defensive consistency during a demanding road stretch.

Phoenix built its advantage early by making its first four three point attempts and taking a 72 to 56 lead into halftime. Brooks scored 24 points before the break, shooting 8 of 11 while mixing turnaround jumpers with catch and shoot threes. Detroit cut the deficit to 77 to 74 midway through the third quarter, but Phoenix responded with a decisive run to regain separation and carried a 93 to 81 lead into the fourth.

The Suns continue to adjust without Devin Booker, who missed his third straight game with a sprained ankle. In his absence, Brooks has taken on increased scoring responsibility since arriving in the offseason as part of the trade that sent Kevin Durant to Houston. The 30 year old Canadian is averaging over 20 points per game, positioning himself as a potential first time All Star candidate as the season reaches its midpoint.

What this means moving forward is a positive outlook for Phoenix as it gains momentum despite injuries and clarifies its rotation around Brooks and Allen. For Detroit, the loss serves as a reminder of the margins at the top of the conference as it balances continued growth with postseason expectations.

Next steps see the Pistons traveling to Golden State on Friday night, while the Suns return home to host Cleveland as they look to extend their recent surge and solidify their position in the Western Conference standings.