NBA Notes: Brooks Faces Rockets, Kings Back Christie, Warriors Assign Three to G League
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HOUSTON — Dillon Brooks encountered his former team for the first time since the Rockets dealt him to the Phoenix Suns this summer, and the forward wasted no time engaging in his trademark gamesmanship. According to The Athletic, Brooks exchanged trash talk, accused Houston players of flopping and generally tried to ignite emotions throughout the matchup.
Rockets head coach Ime Udoka declined to respond in kind, instead praising the 28-year-old for his influence during two seasons in Houston. “To bring in a veteran like him and Fred VanVleet to change the culture and environment, the competitiveness on a nightly basis—you’ve seen that happen here,” Udoka said. The coach added that both he and Brooks “toe the line” competitively and that his respect for the Suns forward remains intact.
Kings Maintain Confidence in Doug Christie
SACRAMENTO — General manager Scott Perry made clear he is not weighing a coaching change despite the Kings’ uneven start. Speaking with The Athletic, Perry expressed “complete confidence” in head coach Doug Christie’s ability to steer the franchise forward.
Christie welcomed the public endorsement. “His backing, the alignment from him, is huge,” the coach said, noting that Perry’s private messages have matched his public stance. Christie emphasized that his current priority is establishing a playing style Sacramento fans can embrace. The front office intends to let him guide the club through its early-season struggles.
Warriors Send Melton, Kuminga, Santos to Santa Cruz
SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State assigned DeAnthony Melton, Jonathan Kuminga and Gui Santos to the G League’s Santa Cruz Warriors on Wednesday for scrimmage work, ESPN reported. Santos is focusing on conditioning, while Melton and Kuminga are completing injury rehabilitation programs.
Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints noted “real optimism” around Melton’s timeline. The veteran guard, returning from an ACL tear suffered last season, could make his Warriors debut during the first week of December and will be reevaluated this weekend.
Kuminga, sidelined by bilateral knee tendinitis, will test his progress in Santa Cruz. Barring setbacks, the forward may rejoin Golden State at some point in the club’s current home stand, which concludes on December 2. With the rotation stretched thin, the Warriors hope the forthcoming returns of all three players will stabilize their season.
Source: Hoops Wire
