The Duke Blue Devils are currently riding a 5-game winning streak, which includes statement wins against Notre Dame, and of course, in-state rival North Carolina. They just won a bigger game than people realize against Clemson, due to the fact that this was the “hangover” game after the great game that they played last Thursday against the Tar Heels. Not to mention Clemson is not a bad team, but they just seem “snake-bitten” because of all of the close games that they’ve lost in the ACC this season.
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We’ve been waiting all season to see the Duke team that’s been expected, due to all of the talent that they have on the roster. Granted, four of the big names that we we’re expecting to put Duke over the top are true freshmen, and they’ve all needed some time to grow to understand the game at the college level. The good news now, is that it seems like the growing and maturing is finally starting to pay off, and this team lead by Coach K is starting to click.
Duke Blue Devils Basketball
We can’t forget of course the production that we’ve seen from Grayson Allen and Luke Kennard as of late either. Grayson Allen is starting to look comfortable and like himself again after all of the scrutiny that he faced early in the season. Even Roy Williams, head coach of the UNC Tar Heels, thinks that this criticism that Allen has been facing has been, “way, way, way blown out of proportion” (The News & Observer). Luke Kennard has been the most consistent player on the Duke squad, leading them in points per game with an even 20.
Having great complementary players and leaders has also helped the Blue Devils tremendously. Amile Jefferson is nothing short of basketball’s version of a middle linebacker. Having him on the court helps so much, because he is able to call out defenses, and lead the team emotionally. Matt Jones is almost automatic from 3-point range when left open. Not to mention, now that Allen and Kennard are continuing to draw more attention from opposing defenses with their stellar play, Jones will continue to be left open more and more frequently.
With the great coaching staff and program that these players have around them, this Duke Basketball team is starting to figure things out, and perhaps just getting the great things that are to come with this team started in Durham.