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Duke in the NBA: Quinn Cook scores season-high in Curry’s absence

By Zach De Jong

OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 14: Quinn Cook #4 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other while there's a break in the action of the third quarter during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff against the San Antonio Spurs at ORACLE Arena on April 14, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - APRIL 14: Quinn Cook #4 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors talk with each other while there's a break in the action of the third quarter during Game One of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff against the San Antonio Spurs at ORACLE Arena on April 14, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Former Duke Basketball star Quinn Cook started in the absence of Stephen Curry and was able to make the most of it scoring his season-high twenty-seven points.

The Golden State Warriors were without stars Stephen Curry (groin) and Draymond Green (toe) in Saturday night’s game versus the Brooklyn Nets. These injuries gave former Duke National Champion Quinn Cook an opportunity to start in Curry’s absence.

Cook signed a two-way contract with the Warriors last October. After starting 18 games and averaging 9.5 points, 2.7 assists, and 2.5 rebounds – the Warriors signed Cook to a 2-year deal.

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In the last two games Cook has scored in the double-digits. This was the same for Cook as he scored a season-high twenty-seven points versus the Nets on Saturday night. Cook was the second leading scorer on the team versus the Nets behind Kevin Durant finishing with twenty-eight points.

Cook plays with a high IQ at the point guard position, as seen in his four-years at Duke. He was able to move without the ball and spot up for open three-point looks, as well as, come off screens and hunt his shot. Cook finished with an efficient shooting performance shooting eleven of sixteen from the field and three for five from the three-point line.

Cook was also able to secure five assists and three rebounds in his first start of the year. He was able to put the icing on the cake with a fade-away jumper as the shot clock expired, putting the Warriors up 103-81.

Besides putting up an excellent scoring night, Cook was able to play good defense. Cook showed the ability to provide good closeouts and put pressure on the ball on the defensive end. He also showed great passing vision as he dissected the defense and found open teammates.

Cooks inspiring play isn’t a surprise for Duke or Warriors fans as they have seen Cook excel in multiple different situations. He is a great bench guard and fits perfectly into the starting line-up when Curry is out.

A determination on the availability of Stephen Curry for the Warriors next game is versus the Los Angeles Clippers is unknown, so Cook might get another start. The game Sunday night at 10:30 PM ET on NBA TV.

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