Suns’ Dillon Brooks ejected after kicking Jamal Murray in the groin

Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was ejected in the third quarter of Friday’s NBA Cup game against the Denver Nuggets after officials upgraded his foul on Jamal Murray to a Flagrant 2. Brooks kicked Murray in the groin while attempting a turnaround jump shot, and officials ruled the contact excessive and unnecessary. He left with 22 points in 21 minutes, leading the Suns in scoring at the time of his ejection. His departure left Phoenix without a major scoring and physical-presence option, with teammates including Jordan Goodwin and Luke Kennard expected to take on larger roles.