The NBA is filled with rivalries that transcend time, and some of the most intense ones aren’t born in the professional ranks but from a long-standing history that dates back to college basketball. One such rivalry that flared up again in a recent matchup was between Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers and Dillon Brooks of the Memphis Grizzlies. Their back-and-forth, which began on college courts years ago, was reignited in this NBA game, and once again, it was Hield who came out on top—proving that he still has Brooks’ number.
For those who follow college basketball, the dynamic between Hield and Brooks is well known. Hield, who played for Oklahoma, and Brooks, who starred for Oregon, faced off in some intense matchups during their college days. The two became familiar foes in the Pac-12, with both players becoming household names due to their explosive scoring abilities. But it wasn’t just the on-court competition that made their matchups memorable—it was the fiery intensity and personal pride that each player brought to the game. Their rivalry simmered, with both players trading shots and jabs, each looking to assert their dominance.
Fast forward to the NBA, and that college intensity still lingers whenever the two meet. In their latest contest, the stage was set for another chapter in their ongoing rivalry. The Memphis Grizzlies came into the game as a gritty, defensive-minded team, while the Pacers, with Hield leading the charge, were looking to make a statement against one of the top teams in the West. From the opening tip, it was clear that Hield and Brooks had unfinished business.
Brooks, known for his trash-talking and aggressive defensive style, seemed determined to shut down Hield. However, just like in their college encounters, Hield wasn’t intimidated. Instead, he embraced the challenge. Time and again, Hield showcased his scoring prowess, particularly from beyond the arc. With every three-pointer, every step-back jumper, and every clutch shot, Hield seemed to have a response for everything Brooks threw his way. The two exchanged words and stared each other down, their competitive fire fueling the intensity of the game.
Despite Brooks’ tenacious defense, Hield’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the game with 30 points, shooting efficiently from the floor and showing off his deadly shooting range. Brooks, who had been known for getting under opponents’ skin, found himself on the receiving end of a scoring clinic from Hield. The Grizzlies were struggling to find an answer for Hield’s perimeter shooting, and every time Brooks tried to push the physicality, Hield responded with a well-timed bucket.
What made this matchup even more compelling was the fact that both players are integral to their teams’ success. Hield, a sharpshooter with the ability to stretch the floor, is the kind of player who can swing games with his scoring. Brooks, on the other hand, is a key defensive piece for Memphis, and his ability to lock down opposing players is a cornerstone of the Grizzlies’ identity. But on this night, it was clear that Hield had the upper hand, leaving Brooks frustrated and unable to stop the barrage of shots coming his way.
As the game progressed, it was clear that Hield’s success wasn’t just about scoring—it was about asserting control in a matchup that had personal stakes. For him, it was more than just a win for the Pacers; it was a reminder to Brooks and to everyone else that he’s the one who has consistently gotten the better of this rivalry. And for Brooks, the frustration of seeing his defensive efforts fall short only added fuel to the fire, reminding everyone that when it comes to this matchup, Hield has had the upper hand both in college and in the pros.
In the end, the Pacers walked away with the victory, and once again, it was Buddy Hield who stood tall over Dillon Brooks, proving that their rivalry is far from over—but that, as of now, Hield still has the upper hand. For basketball fans, it was a nostalgic reminder of the fierce college competition between these two, but with the added twist that this rivalry remains alive and well at the highest level.
