Dillon Brooks stepped up big time for the Memphis Grizzlies in Game 1 of their first-round series clash against the Utah Jazz. In the process, he achieved a feat that only the likes of Luka Doncic and Devin Booker have reached over the past decade.
Per the Grizzlies (via Marc J. Spears of The Undefeated), Brooks is only the sixth player over the last 10 seasons to score more than 30 points in his playoffs debut. The other five include an elite list of All-Stars such as Doncic, Booker, Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis and Damian Lillard.
Grizzlies say Dillon Brooks is the sixth player in the last 10 postseasons to score 30+ points in his NBA Playoffs debut, joining Devin Booker (2021), Luka Dončić (2020), Kyrie Irving (2015), Anthony Davis (2015) and Damian Lillard (2014). pic.twitter.com/90S0nYHmzw
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 24, 2021
Against the Donovan Mitchell-less Jazz, Dillon Brooks dominated and was simply unstoppable from all over the court. He finished with 31 points on 50 percent shooting from the field, including 2-of-5 from deep. He also recorded seven rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in an all-around performance for Grind City.
For what it's worth, it was only earlier in the day when Booker made his postseason debut and scored 34 points, which is also the most for any player in a playoffs debut in Phoenix Suns history.
Brooks has undoubtedly proven that he is a key cog for the Grizzlies and a vital part of their future alongside Ja Morant, who also had an impressive outing on Sunday with 26 points.
The Grizzlies will certainly need Brooks to keep that level of play and fight with the same hunger as the opener as they try to upset the top-seeded Jazz. Mitchell is expected to return from his ankle injury soon, so the challenge will only get tougher for Memphis moving forward.
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