Cooper Flagg delivered a standout performance on Saturday, leading No. 1 Duke to a hard-fought 63-56 victory over Wake Forest, pushing their record to an impressive 17-2. Despite some second-half struggles, Flagg’s exceptional contributions—24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists—helped keep the Blue Devils on track. His efforts, alongside the team’s resilience, have continued to fuel Duke’s success this season.
Following the game, Flagg received unexpected praise from a broadcaster, leaving him visibly humbled. The commentator highlighted Flagg’s skill and versatility, calling it “the ultimate advantage,” to which the young star simply smiled and nodded in appreciation. Despite his remarkable performance, Flagg’s post-game comments reflected a humble and team-oriented mindset.
Flagg emphasized the importance of preparation and execution, stating, “You have to be really, really sharp with everything that you do.” While acknowledging the win, he was quick to point out areas for improvement, particularly in reducing turnovers. Both he and teammate Kon Knueppel struggled in that regard, with Flagg committing seven turnovers and Knueppel five. This self-awareness is a testament to the team’s growth-oriented philosophy.
Highlighting the depth of Duke’s roster, Flagg noted how every player is expected to stay ready and contribute when needed. He pointed to players like Malik Brown, who, despite limited playing time, showcased his value in a previous win over Auburn. Flagg described Duke’s system as one where potential is maximized through consistent effort and adaptability. “We’re such a deep team… so much potential… so much room for us to keep growing,” he said.
Flagg also praised the team’s tactical flexibility, explaining how they work to exploit mismatches and create high-quality scoring opportunities. This adaptability has made Duke a dominant force, capable of adjusting to different opponents and styles of play. Their ability to execute these strategies has kept them competitive and consistently among the top teams in the nation.
This latest victory marked Duke’s 13th consecutive win, following a challenging start to the season. The Blue Devils faced a tough non-conference schedule, including four ranked opponents, with their two losses coming by a combined margin of just eight points. Their last defeat, a close contest against Kansas on November 26, was a turning point, as Duke has since been on an impressive winning streak.
Flagg’s leadership has been a cornerstone of this success. In Saturday’s game, he delivered 15 of his 24 points in the second half, including a crucial three-pointer that ended a scoring drought and helped secure the win. Alongside Knueppel, who added 15 points, Flagg ensured Duke remained undefeated in ACC play with a 9-0 conference record. His season averages of 19.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists have made him one of college basketball’s most exciting freshmen.
Looking ahead, Duke faces important matchups against NC State and North Carolina. Flagg’s ability to perform under pressure will be vital as the team seeks to maintain its momentum. His development as a player has not only solidified his role as a leader for Duke but has also drawn significant attention from NBA scouts and basketball fans alike. With his talent and work ethic, Flagg continues to be a key factor in Duke’s dominance this season.