NBA rising star Dereck Lively II made a special appearance to support the Duke Blue Devils during their recent game, showcasing his loyalty to the team. After their impressive victory, he took the opportunity to interview fellow standout Cooper Flagg, further highlighting the strong connections within the program.
The Blue Devils showcased a dominant performance against the SMU Mustangs, winning decisively with a score of 89-62. The game, held at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, saw freshman star Flagg deliver an impressive display, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. His ability to control the game was evident as he also contributed three assists and two blocks, solidifying his status as a rising talent in college basketball.
Despite missing their head coach, Jon Scheyer, due to illness, the Blue Devils executed their game plan effectively. Associate head coach Chris Carrawell stepped in, leading the team to maintain their momentum. The players rallied together, with Tyrese Proctor and Kon Knueppel each adding 14 points to the scoreboard. This collective effort underscored the depth of talent within the lineup, making them a formidable opponent in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Flagg’s performance was particularly noteworthy, as he displayed not only scoring prowess but also an impressive understanding of the game. His strategic play was instrumental in the Blue Devils’ offensive rhythm, especially in the first half, where they established a solid lead. The Blue Devils capitalized on their three-point shooting, outscoring SMU 33-15 from beyond the arc, which significantly contributed to their victory.
NBA Rising Star Dereck Lively II Expresses Support for Duke Blue Devils and Cooper Flagg
Just recently, Lively showed up to support the Blue Devils and interviewed Flagg at the same time. This can be seen in a video posted by the program’s official account on X.
D Live got up with Coop after the dub! pic.twitter.com/VTo9mzWRX1
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) January 4, 2025
The Mustangs struggled throughout the game, shooting only 34.3% from the field. Their inability to find a consistent rhythm allowed the Blue Devils’ to control the pace and dictate the flow of the game. Although SMU’s Boopie Miller led his team with 21 points, it was not enough to counter Duke’s overall performance.
As the Blue Devils looks ahead to their next matchup, they remain focused on continuing their winning streak. With a record of 12-2 and a strong showing in the conference, the Blue Devils aim to build on this momentum. Flagg’s emergence as a key player only heightened expectations for the season, as fans eagerly anticipated his contributions in the games to come.
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