Three things to watch for in 2020 finale and return of Duke basketball

What to watch for: Duke basketball must continue its ball movement

In its first game not having Jalen Johnson, the Blue Devils moved the ball much more efficiently and effectively against Notre Dame.

The ball was never getting ‘stuck’ while players were passing with a purpose and knew what they were going to do with the ball before they possessed it.

Through the previous four games, that was not on display from this version of the Blue Devils.

Perhaps that was due to Johnson’s ability to score in isolation sets and his teammates waiting for him to do something special with the basketball.

Duke only had eight assists on 31 made field goals against the Irish, but the way in which the ball was moving in halfcourt sets, something that has been an issue for the Blue Devils all season long, was getting Notre Dame to move laterally, which opened up lanes for driving to the basket and kick-outs for 3-pointers.

Ball movement will be key for Duke going forward as teams are making a concerted effort to try and prevent the Blue Devils from running in transition, the most effective form of offense for this team.