Second Duke’s 87-70 thumping on Saturday prevented rival North Carolina from feeling anything. Before you could blink, Duke had a 23-6 lead and was never in danger.
Carolina staged a strong comeback to cut the deficit to the mid-teens after the Blue Devils had a 32-point lead in the second half. For each player who spent more than five minutes on the court, here are their grades. First, let’s talk about the winners.
Cooper Flagg, F.
Player Rating: Five Stars
Instead of starting five-star wing Drake Powell, who surely had the greatest opportunity to slow down Flagg one-on-one, UNC made the somewhat odd choice to start its four-guard lineup. North Carolina was forced to pay for its transgressions by the Duke freshman sensation. Flagg had already scored 15 points with two 3-pointers and four dimes before Powell could check into the game.
With 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, two blocks, and three steals, Flagg was outstanding. Throughout his 38-minute run, Flagg made excellent decisions and swallowed UNC’s attempts to go after him one-on-one. Flagg found open shooters soon after UNC doubled. Flagg dissected UNC when it went zone.
Player Rating for Tyrese Proctor, G: 5 stars
Proctor has quickly put his two-game shooting slump on the back burner. The 6-foot-6 junior guard ended with an efficient 17 points on just 10 shots, three assists, two rebounds, and a turnover. He also made two 3-pointers. Because of his ability to switch between an on- and off-ball role, Proctor has quietly become one of this team’s most significant players. In addition, he had extended periods of excellent defensive play. RJ Davis of UNC was never able to get going, and Proctor was the reason why.
Player Rating for Kon Knueppel, G: 5 stars
When Knueppel faced this thin UNC backcourt, he could smell blood in the water. This season, Knueppel produced one of his best all-around performances. He was capable of playing defense, whether he was pursuing fast guards around the perimeter or switching onto one of UNC’s big men.
This season, Knueppel’s defense has been a welcome surprise. On that end, he is a benefit. He’s a bucket, too. With just 11 shots, the rookie wing scored 22 points. With a rim-rocking slam and his second three of the evening in the first minute, Knueppel put an end to any hopes of a UNC comeback to begin the second half.
Khaman Maluach: 4.5 stars as a C player From the beginning, Maluach’s energy was exceptional.
In the opening eleven or more minutes of regulation, the 7-foot-2 center grabbed four hard-to-reach offensive rebounds. For a UNC defense that was already severely undermanned, those second-chance possibilities were simply fatal.
North Carolina made many attempts to isolate Maluach using Davis. When facing UNC’s preseason All-American, Duke’s big guy held up admirably. Maluach was just a few missed opportunities away from enjoying a five-star night like his fellow classmates.
Sion James, G: Five-star player
James demonstrated why he is regarded as one of college basketball’s best role players. With just one turnover, the seasoned guard finished with 13 points and three assists. James played 32 minutes as Duke defeated UNC by 26 points. James is incredibly intelligent. In order to gain an advantage, he moves the rock strategically and assaults long closeouts.
He continues to play a crucial role in Duke’s transition defense. When James was on the floor, UNC seldom ever got a good look. James enticed contested jumpers left and right while deftly keeping everyone in front of him. James didn’t appear to have flipped a switch all night long at first glance.
Three stars for Isaiah Evans
F player Evans is not scared. A catch-and-shoot triple in the second half made UNC pay for double Flagg and leaving a deadeye alone in the weakside corner. The svelte rookie wing attempted to make up for his turnover with a hurried 3 that was far off. Player Rating for
Maliq Brown, F: 5 stars
For both parties, getting Brown back is really important to this Duke team. Brown was a master at changing things. Brown was a deflection machine, tearing away two steals as usual.
However, when Maluach is not on the court, Brown also serves as Duke’s five-out hub, giving the offense a slightly different appearance.
Player Rating for Mason Gillis, F: 3.5 stars
After making his only 3-point shot, Gillis stepped into the open space just in time to steal a basket from Drake Powell. The veteran Purdue transfer was consistent throughout his seven minutes, despite recording four fouls.
Foster Caleb, G Player One star rating
In his seven minutes of action, Foster accomplished very little. Foster grabbed one rebound but failed to score. One preseason worry was whether Foster could hang with UNC’s guards due to his lateral quickness. Scheyer made sure that didn’t occur.
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