"Hard-nosed, no bulls---" - Dillon Brooks makes feelings clear on Ime Udoka's tough love
Dillon Brooks is a witness to how Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka has transformed the team since coming on board. His vision for the team involved parading a strong defensive unit, and he achieved that as a result of his tough love.
Brooks knows firsthand what it means to go against the tactical instruction set by Udoka. In the past, he clashed with the former Boston Celtics coach for making a wrong defensive instruction.
"Hard-nosed, no bulls---," Brooks exclaimed.
The Rockets, under Udoka, have become a force this season. They currently sit third in the hotly-contested Western Conference with a 16-8 record.
The former Memphis Grizzlies player has played a part, as his experience has helped knit the young roster together. This season, he is averaging 12.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. Additionally, he is shooting 42.2% from the field and 38.6% from the three-point line.
What next for Brooks and the Rockets under Udoka?
Brooks is in his second season with Houston and has cemented his place in the team's roster. While he is known for his defensive ability, his shooting struggled during the start of the season. During the first 10 games, he shot only 39.8% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc.
During Sunday's 117-106 win over the LA Clippers at the Intuit Dome, Brooks contributed 19 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in 38 minutes of action. The Rockets snapped its two-game losing skid and are 6-4 in their last 10 games.
The Rockets will be back in action on Dec. 11 to face the visiting Golden State Warriors (14-9) for their NBA Cup quarterfinals match up. The winner moves on to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals, which will be held in Las Vegas. Brooks and the Rockets need all hands on deck, as they have lost 15 in a row against the Warriors.