How Duke women’s basketball won the ACC championship with a ferocious second-half surge

The 2024 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Women’s Basketball Championship was a tournament for the ages, with the Duke Blue Devils emerging as the victors after a dramatic and electrifying second-half performance. The Blue Devils, under the leadership of head coach Kara Lawson, displayed remarkable resilience, grit, and strategic brilliance, propelling them to a resounding victory in a game that had fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This win was not only a testament to Duke’s skill and determination but also a symbol of the team’s commitment to excellence and the unyielding spirit that has long been a hallmark of the Blue Devils’ program.

Duke entered the ACC Championship game with a strong reputation, having navigated a tough season to earn a place in the title matchup. With a potent mix of experienced players and rising stars, they were ready to face off against their formidable opponent in the championship game. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the thrilling contest that saw Duke overcome adversity, mounting a ferocious second-half surge to claim the coveted ACC title.

Setting the Stage: The Journey to the Championship

The road to the ACC Championship was not an easy one for Duke. The team faced a highly competitive field, including powerhouse teams like Louisville, Notre Dame, and NC State. Despite the pressure, Duke demonstrated its resilience all season long. Coach Kara Lawson’s strategic vision, combined with the hard work of her players, had transformed the Blue Devils into one of the most formidable teams in the nation.

Key players such as guard Celeste Taylor, forward Jade Williams, and the rising star, freshman point guard Grace Williams, had been vital to Duke’s success. Their performance in the regular season built momentum for the championship tournament. However, it wasn’t just individual performances that propelled Duke forward; it was the team’s collective effort, a seamless blend of defense and offense, which had earned them a place in the final.

Duke’s path to the ACC Championship was defined by moments of brilliance. A standout moment was their quarterfinal victory, where they battled back from a double-digit deficit to secure an emphatic win. The team showed their character again in the semifinals, where they dominated both ends of the court against a resilient opponent, setting the stage for their ultimate showdown in the final.

The Championship Game: A Slow Start

The ACC Championship final pitted Duke against the reigning champions, the North Carolina Tar Heels, a team with a storied program and a fierce determination to defend their title. From the opening tip-off, it was clear that this would be a highly competitive, intense game.

Duke struggled early on, facing a tough and aggressive defensive scheme from North Carolina. The Tar Heels stifled Duke’s offense, forcing them into contested shots and disrupting their offensive flow. Despite some early turnovers and missed opportunities, Duke managed to keep the game close in the first half. The team’s defense, anchored by the leadership of forward Jade Williams, was solid, limiting North Carolina’s scoring chances. However, the Blue Devils were still unable to find a rhythm offensively, trailing by six points at halftime.

The first half was a frustrating one for Duke, as they shot a modest 37% from the field and found it difficult to penetrate the Tar Heel defense. Coach Lawson knew that her team needed to regroup, refocus, and make key adjustments in the locker room if they were to stand a chance in the second half. She reminded the team of the hard work they had put in all season long and emphasized the importance of staying composed, executing their game plan, and trusting each other.

The Turning Point: A Ferocious Second-Half Surge

As the second half began, it was clear that Duke was a different team. Coach Lawson’s halftime speech seemed to ignite a fire under her players, and they came out with a renewed sense of purpose and energy. Duke’s defense, which had been solid throughout the game, ramped up a notch. The Blue Devils applied full-court pressure, forcing North Carolina into several turnovers and quick-shot decisions. The energy from the defensive end sparked Duke’s offense, and within minutes, the Blue Devils had cut the lead down to just two points.

Celeste Taylor, one of Duke’s senior leaders, became a pivotal force in the second half. Known for her sharp shooting and defensive prowess, Taylor was relentless on both ends of the floor. She hit timely three-pointers, including one from deep beyond the arc that tied the game for Duke for the first time since the opening minutes. Taylor’s poise under pressure and ability to make clutch plays were critical in helping Duke gain momentum.

At the same time, Jade Williams, who had been a force in the paint all tournament long, asserted herself more aggressively in the second half. Her presence in the post was a game-changer, as she scored easy buckets off pick-and-roll plays and second-chance opportunities. North Carolina simply couldn’t match up with her strength and size, and the Tar Heels’ defense began to buckle under the pressure.

The freshman point guard, Grace Williams, also played a key role in Duke’s turnaround. Her court vision and poise were exceptional, and she orchestrated the offense with precision. Williams consistently found open teammates, making crisp passes that led to high-percentage shots. Her basketball IQ was on full display, and she contributed both as a scorer and facilitator, constantly keeping the defense on its heels.

The second-half surge was characterized not only by individual brilliance but also by team cohesion. Duke’s offensive sets were more fluid, and the ball moved quickly around the court, leading to open looks and easy baskets. At the same time, the team’s defense was suffocating, as they forced North Carolina to take contested shots and commit turnovers.

North Carolina, on the other hand, struggled to adjust. While they had been dominant in the first half, their offense grew stagnant in the second, unable to counter Duke’s intense defensive pressure. The Tar Heels’ star players, who had been effective in the first half, found themselves unable to break through Duke’s defense. A series of turnovers and missed shots allowed Duke to take control of the game.

As the minutes ticked away, Duke’s lead continued to grow. The Blue Devils took their first lead of the game with just over six minutes left, and from there, they never looked back. The crowd at the Greensboro Coliseum erupted as Duke pushed the lead to double digits. Every possession felt like a step closer to victory, and the Blue Devils were feeding off the energy of their defensive dominance and efficient scoring.

With under a minute left in the game, it was clear that the ACC Championship was all but secured. North Carolina’s attempts to mount a comeback fell short, as Duke sealed the game with free throws and timely defensive stops. When the final buzzer sounded, the Duke Blue Devils had claimed the 2024 ACC Championship with an 81-70 victory.

Key Factors in Duke’s Championship Win

There were several key factors that contributed to Duke’s incredible second-half surge and ultimate victory:

1. Defensive Intensity: Duke’s defense in the second half was suffocating. They forced North Carolina into 10 turnovers after halftime, and the full-court pressure helped disrupt the Tar Heels’ offensive flow. Duke’s ability to lock down on defense allowed them to create fast-break opportunities and turn the tide of the game.
2. Celeste Taylor’s Leadership: As a senior, Taylor led by example. Her ability to score, defend, and keep the team focused was invaluable. She scored 18 points, including crucial three-pointers, and played a key role in Duke’s overall success in the second half.
3. Jade Williams’ Inside Presence: Williams dominated in the post, scoring 20 points and pulling down 10 rebounds. Her physicality was unmatched, and her ability to finish inside helped Duke build a lead late in the game.
4. Grace Williams’ Poise and Court Vision: The freshman point guard played with maturity beyond her years. She dished out 7 assists, controlled the pace of the game, and made key plays down the stretch.
5. Team Chemistry: The Blue Devils were firing on all cylinders. From offense to defense, the team’s trust in one another was evident. Whether it was a timely assist, a defensive rebound, or a clutch shot, every player contributed to the win.

The Aftermath: A New Chapter for Duke Women’s Basketball

Duke’s victory in the 2024 ACC Championship marked a new chapter in the history of the program. Under the leadership of Coach Kara Lawson, the Blue Devils proved they were a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s college basketball. The team’s resilience, combined with their ability to adapt and execute under pressure, made this championship win particularly special.

For Coach Lawson, this victory was the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to building a championship-caliber team. The Blue Devils had shown that they could overcome adversity and thrive in the biggest moments.

As the team celebrated their title, it was clear that this victory would be remembered as one of the defining moments in the history of Duke Women’s Basketball. And with the team returning many key players, including Celeste Taylor and Grace Williams, the future of the program looked brighter than ever.

Duke’s 2024 ACC Championship victory was a thrilling, unforgettable ride—one that showcased the power of teamwork, the importance of perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As the Blue Devils basked in the glory of their hard-earned championship, they knew this was just the beginning of a new era in women’s college basketball.