THE NBL1 action has seen some of the best players around the country deliver some massive numbers week in week out.

The most exciting part is that it seems to always be someone different that catches the eye out of the round. In the West Men’s competition in Round 9, it was Joe Cook-Green that stood up with a powerful offensive showing to lead his Eastern Suns to another win.

The Suns took on the Rockingham Flames at Mike Barnett Sports Centre on Saturday night, with the former coming into the game as underdogs having sustained one less win in a tight race for the top four. Both teams had shown the capability to make a deep run later in the season, but this match would prove a true test to those title hopes.

In a high-scoring affair, both sides were able to get their offence rolling in what was an entertaining display. In the end, the hot start of the Suns (31-18 in the first quarter) ended up being the defining factor as the visitors held on to claim a seven-point triumph and record win number seven on the season.

In an offence that fired all match, the Suns were led by a terrific performance from Cook-Green, who was an immense figure in getting Eastern to a crucial win.

Rockingham Flames (100) def. by Eastern Suns (107)

Joe Cook-Green – 32 points, three rebounds, seven assists, one steal

Cook-Green was an excellent contributor and a standout in a match that had a number of players fire with ball in hand.

His 32 points was an equal game-high figure and the most of any Suns player. He was able to produce a number of crucial buckets not only early in the game when the Suns got the jump, but also late in the match when the opposition tried to steal the game.

Cook-Green shot an impressive 11/19 from the field, and was able to conjure baskets from all three levels of scoring. He showed tenacity when attacking the rim, but was not reliant on this form of scoring, often forcing the opposition into overcommitting on the drive and pulling up for a nice floater or mid-range.

The guard was also able to cash in from behind the arc and nail some shots from behind the arc. He drained four three-pointers on just eight attempts and showcased how deep his offensive bag truly is.

The 26-year-old was also the Suns’ premier playmaker, recording an equal game-high seven dimes on top of an eye-catching scoring performance. Out of the pick and roll action, Cook-Green was able to find the open man and create the best scoring opportunity for his side. Given how well he was scoring the ball, he had every right to keep shooting and take some tougher shots, but his passing game reflected how complete his offensive game was.

It was a match-winning performance from Cook-Green, who shouldered the offensive load at times and got the team over the line in a thrilling encounter against a fellow contender.