Dillon Brooks sends strong 8-word message to Grizzlies after homecoming

Friday night, estranged former Memphis Grizzlies wing made his first trip back to the 38103 as a member of the Houston Rockets. Despite the questions regarding a possible negative reaction from the crowd at FedEx Forum, the veteran was met with a touching tribute video and an objectively deserved ovation instead.

Unfortunately, this joyous greeting quickly turned south from tip-off and on as Brooks served as the primary antagonist against this reeling Grizzlies squad, particularly with his monstrous second-half surge and, ultimately, game-sealing triple in the closing minute of regulation.

In the end, the Rockets pulled out a 103-96 win over Memphis, marking it their second victory against them in two nights and their third on the season.

Following the contest, Brooks opened up to reporters about his emotions on making his official return to Grind City, a place he called home for seven years, and noted that while he still feels love for the community it's his mission to never be on the losing end of a matchup against the Grizzlies.

Ex-Grizzlies wing Dillon Brooks dishes on first return game to Memphis

"I don't want to lose ever to Memphis in my career ever so regardless of how we get it, if I go and get 20 or if I have zero points, I want to win every single time we play Memphis just to let them know that they made a little mistake [letting me go]."

- Dillon Brooks

Things got quite chippy at times between Brooks and some of his former teammates, particularly with Desmond Bane who received a technical foul for trash talking with him in the final period.

Unfortunately for the Grizzlies, and perhaps to much surprise, Brooks managed to keep his composure despite the banter and emotional toll and, in the end, put forth a sound showing against his ex-employers, dropping 26 points (24 coming in the second half) while shooting 50.0 percent from the floor to go along with 7 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal.

With this loss, Memphis plummets to 6-18 on the season while the wing sees his Rockets rise to 13-9 all while boasting an undefeated record against his former employers.