Coop Shines on Senior Night as Duke Dominates Wake 93-60
On a night where emotions ran high, the Duke Blue Devils turned in a performance for the ages, routing Wake Forest 93-60 in their Senior Night game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The star of the evening was none other than Cooper Flagg, whose all-around brilliance reminded everyone why he is one of the top prospects in college basketball and possibly the future of the NBA. Flagg’s sensational performance not only propelled Duke to another dominant win but also served as a fitting tribute to a class of seniors who helped lay the foundation for the program’s continued success.
As Duke honored their seniors, including key contributors like Tyrese Proctor, Mason Gillis, and Sion James, the Blue Devils made sure to send them off in style with a victory that left little doubt about their dominance on the court. Flagg’s 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists were the highlight of a night where Duke’s defense and offense came together seamlessly to crush the Demon Deacons.
For Wake Forest, the game marked the return trip to Duke after a hard-fought battle earlier this season in Winston-Salem. In that contest, Wake gave Duke a run for their money, but this time around, there would be no such fight. The Blue Devils came out with fire and intensity from the opening tip, and Wake Forest could do little to contain them. Duke’s relentless attack on both ends of the floor stifled any hopes of an upset, and it was clear from the early stages that this would be a night to remember for the Blue Devils.
A Night to Remember for Cooper Flagg
The star of the show was undoubtedly Cooper Flagg, who played what is likely his final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Flagg, a consensus top pick for the upcoming NBA Draft, has been the backbone of Duke’s success this season. His play on Monday night was a microcosm of everything that makes him special: elite scoring, impeccable defense, and an ability to impact the game in multiple facets.
Flagg’s 28 points came in a variety of ways. He knocked down jump shots from all over the floor, including a few deep threes that showcased his offensive versatility. His 8 rebounds displayed his tenacity, and his 7 assists underscored his ability to facilitate for his teammates. In a game where the Blue Devils were firing on all cylinders, Flagg was the engine that kept everything running smoothly.
But what stood out the most about Flagg’s performance was his poise and maturity. Despite the pressure of the occasion—the high stakes of Senior Night and the emotional weight of potentially playing his last game at Duke—Flagg remained unfazed. He played with a level of control and composure that belied his age. Every time Wake Forest threatened to make a run, Flagg was there to either score or make a play to stem the tide. His ability to maintain his focus and execute under pressure was a testament to his high basketball IQ and maturity beyond his years.
For the fans at Cameron, it was clear that Flagg is not just a future NBA star, but a player capable of leading Duke to great heights. As he made his way off the court to a standing ovation in the final minutes of the game, it was hard not to wonder what the future holds for him. But for now, the focus was on celebrating the present—on a night where Flagg shined the brightest.
Support from Senior Players: Knueppel, Proctor, Gillis, and James
While Flagg’s performance was the centerpiece of the game, Duke’s senior class also played an instrumental role in securing the victory. Kon Knueppel, who could very well be playing his last game at Cameron as well, contributed 17 points, providing much-needed scoring and energy. Knueppel, known for his shooting and toughness, was instrumental in keeping Duke’s offense fluid and dynamic throughout the game. His presence on the floor allowed the Blue Devils to maintain a balanced attack that wore down Wake Forest’s defense.
Tyrese Proctor, returning to action after dealing with some injury concerns earlier in the season, put up 12 points in a strong performance. Proctor’s ability to create for himself and his teammates was evident throughout the game, and his leadership on the floor helped ensure that Duke kept the pressure on Wake from start to finish. The game marked a full-circle moment for Proctor, who had to overcome adversity during the season to return to form just in time for the stretch run.
Graduate transfer seniors Mason Gillis and Sion James also made significant contributions to the victory, each scoring 11 points. Gillis, known for his leadership and steadying presence, provided valuable minutes on both ends of the floor. His veteran experience was critical in managing the tempo of the game and helping keep the team focused as the lead ballooned. James, a versatile forward, showed why he has been such an important part of the Blue Devils’ rotation all season. His ability to stretch the floor and make plays both inside and outside was crucial to Duke’s success.
As the final buzzer sounded, the sense of appreciation for these seniors could be felt throughout the arena. Their contributions to the program have been invaluable, and Monday night was the perfect send-off for them as they embark on the next chapter of their basketball careers. While it’s possible that the team will look very different next season, the leadership and impact of this senior class will be felt for years to come.
Duke’s Defense Dominates
One of the defining features of Duke’s success this season has been their defense, and Monday night’s performance was a perfect example of why. From the opening tip, the Blue Devils were suffocating on defense, forcing Wake Forest into difficult shots and limiting their opportunities in transition.
Duke’s defensive intensity was evident in their ability to force turnovers and disrupt Wake’s offensive flow. The Demon Deacons, who had been competitive in their earlier matchup with Duke, found themselves out of sync for much of the game. Whether it was Flagg’s shot-blocking ability or the pressure applied by Proctor and Gillis on the perimeter, Wake Forest struggled to find any rhythm offensively.
The Blue Devils’ ability to lock down defensively allowed them to get out in transition, where they capitalized on easy buckets and quick scoring runs. This fast-paced, pressure-filled style of play left Wake Forest on the back foot, unable to respond to the relentless assault from Duke.
Duke’s Journey to 27 Wins
With Monday’s victory, Duke reached 27 wins for the third consecutive season under head coach Jon Scheyer. This accomplishment is no small feat, as the Blue Devils have once again demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level in college basketball. The 27-3 overall record, coupled with an 18-1 mark in ACC play, is a testament to the program’s consistency and dominance.
Scheyer, in just his second season as head coach, has continued the legacy of excellence that Duke is known for. While there may have been some bumps along the way, Scheyer has guided the Blue Devils through adversity and has positioned them to be a top contender heading into postseason play.
Duke’s success this season has been built on a combination of star power, experienced leadership, and a relentless work ethic. With players like Flagg leading the way, combined with the contributions from the senior class and a strong supporting cast, the Blue Devils are a force to be reckoned with.
Looking Ahead: The Final Stretch
As the regular season winds down, Duke will now turn their attention to their final game of the season against rival North Carolina on Saturday. With a chance to sweep the season series against the Tar Heels and close out the regular season on a high note, Duke will be looking to continue their momentum and build toward the NCAA Tournament.
Saturday’s game will be a pivotal one, as it will not only affect the ACC standings but also provide one last opportunity for the Blue Devils to fine-tune their game before heading into postseason play. For the seniors, it will be a final chance to wear the Duke blue in Chapel Hill, a place where legends are made and rivalries are built.
As Duke prepares for what promises to be an intense finish to the regular season, the performance against Wake Forest serves as a reminder of the Blue Devils’ potential. With Cooper Flagg leading the charge and the senior class providing invaluable experience, Duke is poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.