Dillon Brooks Ejected for Kicking Jamal Murray in Groin During Suns vs. Nuggets NBA Cup Game

The Phoenix Suns' Dillon Brooks was ejected from Friday night's NBA Cup opener against the Denver Nuggets due to what officials ruled was an "unnecessary and excessive" kick to Jamal Murray's groin.

Brooks made contact with Murray while rising up for a jump shot with 8:05 left in the third quarter. He was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul on the play.

Brooks was called for an offensive foul before officials reviewed the play and upgraded the penalty. Murray, who fell to the ground after the initial contact, remained in the game.

Brooks had recorded 22 points in 21 minutes on the court prior to his exit. The Suns were trailing 84-76 at the time.

He had put up 20 points in the first half alone, and by the time of his ejection had shot 9-for-12 from the field and 4-for-6 from deep while leading the Suns in scoring.

The Suns were heading into Saturday's matchup with a 1-2 record and rumors of discontent in the locker room.

NBA insider Chris Haynes recently reported he feels there is "frustration" among Suns players over the team's decision to aim for offensive distribution by committee rather than relying on a traditional point guard.

Brooks has averaged 14.7 points across those first three contests while adding 3.7 rebounds, 4.4 assists and one steal per game.

Saturday's matchup marked the opening of NBA Cup play for the Suns, which are competing in West Group A alongside the Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns and Utah Jazz. The Suns will resume in-season tournament play Nov. 20 in Salt Lake City.