The 2023 season has brought some unexpected challenges and disappointments for the Blue Devils. Duke Basketball lost their second consecutive game to Georgia Tech, 72-68, with starting point guard Tyrese Proctor injured. Let’s dive into the details of this game and the key factors that contributed to Duke’s struggles.

The Game Started Wrong for Dukes

Duke had great expectations going into the game, but when starting point guard Tyrese Proctor was hurt, everything went south. This early defeat dealt serious damage to the team’s confidence and performance. There was pressure on the Blue Devils to stage a comeback because they were behind by as many as 11 points in the second half.

With little over two minutes remaining in the game, Duke demonstrated their tenacity by coming back to take a 66-62 lead in spite of the hardship. Jeremy Roach’s assist to set up Mark Mitchell’s slam gave rise to dreams of a thrilling comeback win. Sadly, a regrettable occurrence caused this momentum to fizzle out quickly

The Turning Point in the Game and a Disappointing Finish

With a 66-62 deficit, Mark Mitchell was called for a technical foul for taunting, which gave Georgia Tech’s Kelly the opportunity to make two vital free throws. Kelly’s score on the subsequent play gave Georgia Tech a 66-all lead. Kyle Filipowski’s shot gave Duke a brief lead again, 68-66, but their offense faltered and they were unable to score in the last minute.

It was a difficult night for the Blue Devils (5-3, 0-1 ACC), especially when it came to ball distribution. In sharp contrast to Georgia Tech’s more fluid offense, which ended with 19 assists on 27 field goals, they finished with just 11 assists on their 26 field goals. This discrepancy in ball movement and collaboration could have played a major role in Duke’s loss.

Proctor’s Injury

Tyrese Proctor, the starting point guard, suffered an injury that changed the course of the game significantly. After missing a layup in the first half, Proctor collapsed to the ground in agony and needed assistance to the bench, which involved wrapping a towel around his shoulders. After the half, he came back on crutches, raising concerns among the coaching staff and supporters about the severity of his injuries. Duke’s season became even more questionable when head coach Scheyer declared that Proctor would have an X-ray to ascertain the extent of the injury.

Lineup Adjustments

Duke had to change their lineup in reaction to Proctor’s injury. Ryan Young, a 6’10” graduate student, began inside beside Filipowski. Notably, Mark Mitchell, who had started every game before this one, was a surprise starter for the first time in his Blue Devils career, raising concerns about the team’s game plan.

FAQs

How did Duke lose to Georgia Tech?

Duke lost 72-68 to Georgia Tech, despite leading at certain points in the game.

What impact did Tyrese Proctor’s injury have on the team?

Tyrese Proctor’s injury left Duke without their starting point guard, affecting their performance.

Who was the standout player for Georgia Tech in the game?

Baye Ndongo, a 6-9 freshman, scored 21 points and played a pivotal role for Georgia Tech.

What changes did Coach Jon Scheyer make to the lineup?

Coach Scheyer started 6-10 graduate students Ryan Young, and Mark Mitchell did not start for the first time.

What is Duke’s biggest challenge this season?

Duke’s biggest challenge is their inability to close out games effectively, as highlighted by recent losses.