Dillon Brooks, John Collins early dustup in Suns-Pistons game

DETROIT — Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks didn’t waste any time living up to his villain persona.

He drew a technical foul with 7:23 left in the first quarter of Phoenix’s preseason opener on Monday, Oct. 5, against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena.

Brooks led the NBA in technical fouls last season with 17.

In Monday’s game, Brooks was guarding Pistons forward John Collins in the paint with his usual physicality. He extended his forearm and made physical contact with Collins, who reacted in a “you see this” fashion with his hands upward.

John Collins grabs Dillon Brooks by the throat. 😳 pic.twitter.com/ES4M4UCL3x

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 5, 2026

On the same possession, Collins got an offensive rebound over Brooks, who started reaching for the ball and making more contact by reaching around Collins from behind.

Collins responded by facing Brooks and putting his hand in Brooks’ face with the ball.

Referees and security separated the two.

They initially received double technical fouls. After review, Collins was called for a flagrant one penalty. Brooks went to the line and split two free throws.

Brooks is in his second season with the Suns while Collins is in his first with the Pistons.

The Suns had a 68-50 halftime lead.

Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dillon Brooks, John Collins early dustup in Suns-Pistons game