Cook and Conley Steal the Show on Thursday

By Adam Kiefaber

Daequan Cook and Mike Conley Jr. both had their best performances in summer-league play on Thursday.

Cook led Miami with 21 points in the Heat’s 78-66 win over the Indiana Pacers. He didn’t just led his team in points, he also led his team in minutes played (35+), FGs made (8), FGs attempted (16), and he tied one other player on his team for the most threes made (2), most assists (3) and most steals (3).

On Wednesday, Cook struggled from the floor hitting one of seven shots for only three points. In over 23 minutes of play, Cook had three steals and committed a team-high six fouls. The Heat lost 77-66 to the Chicago Bulls.

Cook’s last game of the Pepsi Pro Pro Summer League takes place this afternoon. The Heat will play the tournament’s host, the Orlando Magic.

Mike Conley Jr. was impressive on Thursday night in summer-league play in Las Vegas. Conley led Memphis with 7 assists in the Grizzles 100-76 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. In just over 22 minutes of playing time, Conley scored 13 points, grabbed four rebounds and committed only one turnover. He was five of nine from the floor and he hit all three free throws.

Currently Conley is battling summer-league teammate Kyle Lowry for the starting point guard spot. In 23 minutes, Lowry scored 11 points and grabbed four rebounds. However, Lowry had only two assists, hit only one of six shots from the floor and turned the ball over a team-high four times. Overall, Lowry is averaging 15.7 points in summer-league play compared to Conley, who is averaging 11.

Memphis’ point guard last year, Damon Stoudmire, figures to get less playing time this season.

Conley Jr. and Lowry will continue their battle when Memphis squares off with the Los Angeles Clippers tonight (FRI the 13) at 6pm EST.

Ron Lewis didn’t help his chances of making the Houston Rockets roster in their 98-94 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday.

Lewis missed all seven shots he took from the floor. However, he did hit all four free throws, finishing with four points and three rebounds in just over 12 minutes of play. Part of Lewis’ struggle to score could be related to the impressive play of summer-league teammate and guard Aaron Brooks (Oregon). Last night, Brooks scored 28 points and in the Rockets’ first game he scored 21.

The Rockets play tonight (FRI the 13) at 10pm EST against the Washington Wizards.

The 2007 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas ends this Sunday- July 15th.