Though the prodigious talent Cooper Flagg is no longer a 17-year-old phenom, the No. 5 Duke Blue Devils proved Saturday that their dominance remains unshaken.
The Blue Devils, led by a balanced offensive attack, rolled past Georgia Tech, 82-56, in an ACC showdown at McCamish Pavilion. Cooper Flagg celebrated his 18th birthday with 13 points, contributing to a game where four Blue Devils scored in double figures.
Duke’s winning streak now extends to six games as they improved to 10-2 overall and 2-0 in ACC play. Shooting a season-best 56.4% from the field, including 10-of-25 from beyond the arc, Duke showed the offensive prowess to match its elite defense. A dominant 14-0 run early in the second half extinguished any hopes Georgia Tech had of an upset.
Freshman standout Kon Knueppel led the Blue Devils with 18 points and five assists, while fellow freshman Khaman Maluach added 15 points on perfect shooting. Tyrese Proctor rounded out the top performers with 10 points. Here’s a breakdown of Duke’s impressive performance:
A Hot Start Sets the Tone
One of Duke’s earlier struggles this season has been slow starts in critical games. Falling behind against Auburn and Louisville only to rally back highlighted a pattern of sluggish beginnings. However, against Georgia Tech, Duke came out firing.
The Blue Devils hit 11 of their first 15 shots, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, building a commanding 29-15 lead early in the first half. Kon Knueppel’s sharp shooting, including three first-half three-pointers, gave Duke a significant edge.
While Georgia Tech managed to trim the deficit to five points at halftime, Duke quickly responded after the break. The Blue Devils opened the second half with five of their first six shots falling, extending their lead to 52-39 and ensuring the game was never in doubt.
Kon Knueppel Finds His Groove
Knueppel, a 6-foot-7 freshman, has had his share of ups and downs this season. After a hot start in the early games, including seven made three-pointers across Duke’s first two victories, Knueppel hit a slump, shooting just 27% from deep over the next nine games.
Saturday’s game marked a turning point. Knueppel sank four three-pointers, three of which came in the first half, tying his season-high from earlier this year. His confidence was evident, and his playmaking complemented his shooting as he dished out five assists without a single turnover in 32 minutes.
Reflecting on his recent struggles, Knueppel admitted, “It’s been the worst slump of my life, but you have to keep pushing. Tonight, I just tried to enjoy the game, and it paid off.”
This resurgence could be a game-changer for Duke, providing the additional offensive firepower needed as the season progresses toward March.
Defense Locks Down the Yellow Jackets
While Duke’s offense stole the spotlight, the defense was as reliable as ever. Ranked No. 2 nationally in defensive efficiency entering the game, the Blue Devils held Georgia Tech to just 36.2% shooting from the field.
The second half showcased Duke’s defensive prowess as the Yellow Jackets made only one of their first 12 field goal attempts. Georgia Tech’s offensive struggles allowed Duke to turn a five-point halftime lead into a dominant victory.
Duke’s defense forced 10 turnovers and limited Georgia Tech to just 25% shooting in the second half. The Blue Devils continue to be a defensive powerhouse, holding opponents to an average of .886 points per possession.
A Balanced Attack Leads to Victory
One of the most encouraging signs for Duke on Saturday was the balanced contributions from multiple players. With six different Blue Devils connecting from beyond the arc, the team’s offensive depth was on full display.
Freshman Khaman Maluach added to the scoring with a perfect 5-for-5 performance, showing his ability to finish at the rim and knock down mid-range shots. Tyrese Proctor, a steady presence for Duke, contributed 10 points while providing strong defensive play.
Duke head coach Jon Scheyer praised his team’s collective effort: “Tonight, we had contributions from everyone on the floor. The 20 assists show the kind of unselfish basketball we want to play. It was a complete team effort.”
Looking Ahead
With their victory over Georgia Tech, Duke sits atop the ACC standings, brimming with confidence as they approach the heart of conference play. Flagg’s growth and maturity, combined with contributions from Knueppel, Maluach, and others, paint a promising picture for the Blue Devils’ March aspirations.
As Duke continues to improve offensively while maintaining its defensive intensity, the team is poised to make a deep run in the NCAA tournament. For now, they can celebrate their continued dominance and the newfound maturity of their young superstar.