Duke's Blue Devils Shine in Pre-Conference Battle
Once Again, Isaiah Evans' Microwave Minutes to the Moon
Isaiah Evans once again proved to be the ultimate shot of adrenaline for the Duke Blue Devils. Against elite competition, this North Carolina native fearlessly takes outrageous shots and makes six out of the eight he takes. His ability to read the floor incredibly well and his quick release give him an advantage. He even provided a spark plug that changed the game. When he made his second 3-pointer, he showed his enthusiasm by clapping his hands for ten straight seconds on defense. And as soon as he reached the logo, he asked for the ball again. His constant interaction with the home crowd added to the energy. This kind of performance can completely transform a game, as it did on Wednesday.Evans' impact on the team is undeniable. His fearless shooting and infectious energy inspire his teammates and give the Blue Devils an extra edge. He is a player who can make a difference in crucial moments, and his performance against Auburn is a testament to his skills.
His ability to heat up quickly and provide a boost when the team needs it most makes him a valuable asset. Whether it's in the first half or the second half, Evans is always ready to make an impact and lead the team to victory.
Duke Won This Game with Its First-Half Interior Defense
The Duke Blue Devils performed well on offense against Auburn, but it was their first-half interior defense that truly stood out. Outside of Isaiah Evans, they made only three out of their 14 3-pointers. The Tigers had been scoring at least 83 points in their previous four games, but Duke held them to just 78 thanks to their early defensive work against Johni Broome.During Auburn's three-game run at the Maui Invitational, Broome averaged 21.7 points and 15.0 rebounds per game against tough competition. However, at Cameron Indoor Stadium, he made only two out of his nine shots in the first 20 minutes and finished with five points and three rebounds. The Duke forwards, led by Maliq Brown, harassed Broome throughout the half, not allowing him to get the looks he wanted and preventing easy access to the rim. Brown's ability to deflect the ball and reset opposing offenses was crucial, and guard Sion James also got into the paint for critical rebounds and two blocks.
Although Broome eventually had a strong second half with 20 points and 12 rebounds, the Blue Devils had already established a lead with their strong first-half defense. They didn't need to completely shut down Broome; they just needed a head start, and they got it.
Tyrese Proctor Has Evolved into a Dependable Veteran Scoring Presence
Tyrese Proctor scored 12 points on Wednesday, his seventh double-digit performance in eight games. He stood out in two crucial moments down the stretch. With 9:25 left on the clock, he got a wide-open 3-pointer but instead of taking a contested shot, he hesitated and side-stepped to get an unrestricted look and made the shot. Then, with 4:30 to play, he corraled a loose ball near the midcourt logo after a near-turnover with less than two seconds left on the shot clock. Instead of panicking, he fired up a lengthy triple and connected, saving the possession.These two baskets extended Duke's lead and showed Proctor's growth as a player. Now in his third year with the program, he has evolved into a veteran who knows when to step forward. His temperament keeps producing game-changing plays, and he is a reliable scoring option for the team.
Proctor's ability to make big shots in crucial moments has become a staple of the Duke team. His experience and composure on the court make him a valuable asset, and his performance against Auburn is a testament to his development.
Jon Scheyer's Right to Trust Cooper Flagg with the Ball, but the Blue Devils Have a Second-Half Depth Problem
The Blue Devils started the second half with a seven-point lead and all the momentum, but the Tigers closed the gap and created a tense situation. Part of this is the nature of playing against a championship-caliber team, as these games often have mini-runs. However, it also feels like the Blue Devils hit a reset button despite their early success.Isaiah Evans, who scored 18 points in 11 minutes in the first half, took only one shot and played five minutes in the second half. Caleb Foster, the only other Blue Devil with at least three made field goals in the first half, played just six minutes. Cooper Flagg took 10 of the team's 27 second-half shots, and if you include the second half against Kansas, he has taken 10 more shots than any other Blue Devil. While Flagg is undoubtedly the team's best player and the strategy worked on Wednesday, it raises a strategic question mark when he starts two-for-eight in a game.
The Blue Devils need to address their second-half depth issue to ensure they can maintain their lead and close out games more effectively. Flagg's scoring is crucial, but the team needs more contributions from other players to avoid relying too heavily on him in the second half.
This Duke Team Will Be an Absolute Nightmare in Transition
It's not a coincidence that both the Kansas and Auburn games started with the opponents making five of their first six shots and the Blue Devils struggling in half-court offenses. But when defensive rebounds allowed them to get out and run, the Duke team charged back.No team can match the Blue Devils' height and athleticism when they're going downhill, especially with multiple 40% 3-point shooters on the floor. Against Auburn, Duke outscored them 16-0 on fast-break points and scored from pull-up triples and breakaway dunks. Their defense powers their offense this season, and with KenPom's best defensive efficiency rating in the country, they are a force to be reckoned with.
The Duke team's ability to transition quickly and take advantage of their athleticism gives them a significant advantage. They can create scoring opportunities out of nowhere and catch opponents off guard. This aspect of their game will make them a nightmare for opponents in the future.