No matter what happens to the Phoenix Suns after their Emirates NBA Cup quarter-final meeting with the Oklahoma City Thunder, they have done The Valley proud.
They've run the Thunder the closest during their 15 game win streak, losing by only four points, and continue to remain competitive despite being down key players and with their schedule gettin harder.
Dillon Brooks reveals Suns' identity that has led to winning ways.
During media availability ahead of the quarter-final tilt in Oklahoma, the always entertaining Dillon Brooks was asked by Tim MacMahon of ESPN what the Suns' identity has been for this season.
His response was exactly what you would expect, as he exclaimed that the Suns have been "gritty, confident and we ain't scare of nobody" this season. That all checks out.
"Gritty, confident and we ain't scare of nobody."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 10, 2025
Dillon Brooks when @BannedMacMahon asked what is the personality and idenity of the 2025-26 Phoenix Suns. #Suns pic.twitter.com/DZosLczItK
Brooks also went on to say that the group has been working together since September, and not only do we know that's true, it goes deeper than that with some on this roster.
The sophomore duo of Ryan Dunn and Oso Ighodaro staying in Phoenix during the offseason to put in the work, before going to Summer League and looking a cut above the competition as well.
The Suns have gotten the best out of Brooks this season, and right now he is their best and most important player (with respect to Mark Williams, who The Valley has rightly fallen in love with).
He has been able to be the star man when Devin Booker has been out injured, while the irony here is that Jalen Green's absence probably made his own settling in period even easier.
Brooks came to Phoenix knowing exactly what they needed from him, and alongside the likes of Collin Gillespie he has completely changed the culture.
That is why they were able to defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves, for the second time this season no less, without both Booker and Green. It also allowed head coach Jordan Ott to reveal what would be his playoff lineup.
Which is what this group should be dreaming about, because as long as they buy into the identity Brooks is talking about, they have the potential to make the postseason.
They're easily one of the worst opponents you want to see on the schedule, but they've got legitimate talent and an above average offense and defense behind all of that hustle.
It might not be enough to beat the mighty Oklahoma City Thunder, but it also says it all that perhaps no team in the league is as well equipped to do so as this scrappy Suns outfit missing some of their best players.