Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks claimed he can guard Cleveland Cavaliers star James Harden “all day every day” during an appearance on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast. Brooks explained that Harden prefers attacking left, making that the focus of his defensive strategy.
“All he wants to do is go left. Like he’s like a 90 percent better basketball player going left than right,” Brooks said, via ClutchPoints. He added that he anticipates Harden’s step-back and foul-baiting moves, while noting Harden often looks to pass once switching to his right hand.
Brooks, 30, is averaging 20.9 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 30.6 minutes per game this season. He shoots 44% from the field and 34.3% from three, serving as a key two-way player for the Suns.
Harden, 36, has appeared in just 10 games this season for the Cavs, averaging 19.1 points and 8.1 assists in 33.5 minutes per game. Donovan Mitchell leads Cleveland with 28.6 points and 5.8 assists per contest, while Evan Mobley contributes 17.8 points and 8.7 rebounds.
Brooks’ comments come as the Suns hold a 37-27 record, seventh in the Western Conference, chasing a higher seed for the playoffs. His defensive intensity and experience are crucial for Phoenix’s matchups against high-scoring guards like Harden.
Cleveland sits fourth in the Eastern Conference at 39-25, relying on a combination of Harden, Mitchell, and Jarrett Allen to maintain a playoff push.
