In a recent game against Clemson, Duke’s freshman standout, Cooper Flagg, experienced a pivotal moment that contributed to the Blue Devils’ 77-71 loss. With the game tied and under a minute remaining, Flagg drove toward the basket but slipped on a wet spot on the court, resulting in a travel violation. This misstep halted Duke’s momentum and allowed Clemson to regain the lead, ultimately leading to their victory.
After the game, Flagg addressed the incident, noting the challenging playing conditions. He mentioned that the floor was “really holding the water” due to the high humidity in Littlejohn Coliseum, leading to “wet spots all over the court.” Despite this, Flagg acknowledged the need to adapt to such circumstances, stating, “At the end of the day, just got to make a play.”
Duke’s head coach, Jon Scheyer, defended Flagg’s aggressive play, emphasizing that the slip was an unfortunate break. He remarked, “Cooper was being Cooper there. He has a special will. I thought he got the advantage downhill. I’m taking that any day of the week. And there’s a wet spot. Sometimes, that’s how it goes.”
Despite the loss, Flagg’s performance was notable. He scored 18 points, with 14 coming in the final six minutes, and grabbed five rebounds. His late-game efforts, including a crucial three-pointer that briefly gave Duke the lead, showcased his resilience and skill.
This game marked Duke’s first loss since November, ending their 16-game winning streak. The Blue Devils will look to rebound in their upcoming games, with Flagg’s leadership and adaptability being key factors in their performance.