Warriors' Quinn Cook has lost track of how many podium appearances he's had

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OAKLAND – A short while ago, Quinn Cook sat anonymously on the Warriors’ bench during games. He’d then slip out of Oracle Arena without any reporters wanting to talk to him.

Fast forward to Thursday against the Milwaukee Bucks, a game that marked his eighth straight double-digit performance and his fourth time scoring 20 or more points over the last two weeks.

It was another marquee night for Cook, who had a career-high 30 points in the Warriors’ 116-107 loss. As he sat on the podium in front of a room filled with reporters following the game, he was asked if he knew how many times over the last three weeks he’s been in that position.

“I lost track,” Cook said.

Cook’s stock has skyrocketed as of late. The 24-year-old, who is on a two-way contract, has proven that he not only belongs in the NBA but that he can excel in it.

Cook has started in nine of the team’s last 10 games because of ankle and knee injuries to Stephen Curry. And on Thursday, with Kevin Durant and Draymond Green back in the lineup for the first time since sustaining their respective injuries, it was Cook who stole the show.

He shot 12-for-15 from the field, including making all five of his three-point attempts. He scored more than twice as much as any of his teammates.

Cook credited his All-Star teammates for his strong performance.

“Everything is 10 times easier than it has been the last couple of games,” Cook said. “Those two guys bring so much presence.”

But with or without All-Stars on the court, Cook has proven that he’s able to take over games and score at a prolific rate.

“You can see his confidence growing,” Durant said. “…That’s all you need in this league is confidence and opportunity.”

Cook clearly believes in himself, but he’s also very humble.

When asked if the Warriors have approached him yet about signing him onto the playoff roster, he said no. But he also said that he wouldn’t be surprised or disappointed if that never happened.

“No, I think the 15 guys that are going to the playoffs will be good enough to win it,” Cook said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’ll still be here pushing guys in practice, being a great teammate off the floor, and I’ll be one of the loudest people in the stands behind the bench watching.”

It’s highly likely that Cook will get that promotion considering Curry (sprained left MCL) is out the rest of the regular season and is predicted to be sidelined through the first round of the playoffs.

But Cook said none of that is his focus right now.

“Nothing has been talked about,” Cook said. “It’s not in my control. I just control what I can control. Just staying consistent, like I’ve been stressing.”

Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr echoed Cook’s comment, saying that right now the Warriors are just trying to win games.

“I have enough to think about,” Kerr said. “I’m not thinking about when Steph gets back. I have to figure out what to do now. We are struggling right now. We are not playing well. [Cook] has been playing great and he’s had a big role for us and that will continue. But who knows what is going to happen five weeks from now.”

So until Cook gets that call, he’s just going to keep doing what he’s been doing. He stays ready. It’s worked for him before.

“Whatever happens happens,” Cook said. “I haven’t even thought that far.”

For Cook, the most important thing at the moment is enjoying what’s happening around him. It’s something he’s worked for his entire career.

“I’m just focused, honestly,” Cook said. “I’m just locked in on wanting to win as many games as we can. I just want to stay consistent, keep being a great teammate.”