Dillon Brooks hits dagger vs. Grizzlies in return to Memphis, Jordan Poole silences critics

Houston Rockets guard Dillon Brooks hit a 3-pointer to ice the game against his former team, the Memphis Grizzlies, on Sunday at FedExForum. Washington Wizards' Jordan Poole is another player who silenced critics with an incredible performance against the Indiana Pacers.

Brooks, 27, scored 24 of his 26 points in the second half after shooting 1-for-9 from the field through the first two quarters. Houston overcame an early double-digit deficit to win 103-96 as the fiery guard returned to Memphis for the first time since being traded to the Rockets in the offseason.

He spent six seasons with the Grizzlies and explained during his postgame press conference how the confidence came to him after a cold start.

"I knew we needed to get back in the game, and I was missing a lot of 3s," Brooks said. "I knew when I started knocking down one, the confidence will come. I held the follow though, and it felt good. Then I started getting it rolling."

Brooks led the second-half comeback and hit a 3-pointer with 40 seconds left for a 99-94 lead and stole an inbounds pass shortly after to secure Houston's fifth consecutive victory.

Grizzlies show love for Dillon Brooks

The Grizzlies showed love for Brooks with a tribute video during a first quarter timeout and he spoke of what that meant to him.

"Felt like I was right back at home," Brooks said. "The emotions and everything were there."

Brooks, however, stuck to his villain character by instantly reminding everybody that his 13-9 team is now 1-0 against the 6-18 Grizzlies.

"I don't ever want to lose to Memphis," Brooks said.

Jordan Poole silences critics

Poole, 24, has had a tumultuous start to his Wizards tenure due to looking unfocused and seemingly not clicking with teammates.

Like Brooks, Poole silenced critics on Friday night when Washington defeated Indiana 137-123, which snapped a six-game skid.

Poole equaled his season-high 30 points by the end of the third quarter, but went scoreless in the final frame. He added eight assists, while Kyle Kuzma scored one more point than him.

Wizards (4-20) upsetting the Pacers (13.10) is a step in the right direction, especially with Poole's involvement.

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