Sweet 16! Three things to remember from Duke basketball’s victory over Syracuse to extend their winning streak

The Duke Blue Devils proved once again why they are one of the most dangerous teams in college basketball, defeating Syracuse 83-54 in a dominating performance. With this win, Duke extended their impressive winning streak to 12 games, cementing their place as a national title contender. In what was another impressive display of their depth, skill, and overall team cohesion, the Blue Devils showed that they are more than capable of making a deep run in March.

While Duke’s victory was never truly in doubt after the first half, there are several key takeaways that underscore the team’s capabilities. The Blue Devils’ triumph over Syracuse provided insight into their strengths, their consistency, and the direction they are heading as they prepare for the NCAA Tournament.

Here are the three most important things to remember from Duke’s commanding victory over the Orange.

1. Tyrese Proctor’s Leadership: A Star is Born

The performance of Tyrese Proctor was the clear highlight of Duke’s victory over Syracuse. Proctor, a freshman guard, has continued to evolve into a true leader for the Blue Devils, and his performance in this game was a clear example of just how far he has come since the start of the season. With 21 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds, Proctor was the driving force behind Duke’s offensive attack and was essential in orchestrating the team’s fast-paced play.

Proctor’s ability to take over a game and serve as both a scorer and facilitator is becoming increasingly apparent. His shooting has been remarkably consistent, and his court vision has allowed Duke to thrive offensively. The sophomore guard from Australia has been an integral part of Duke’s success this season, and his ability to step up in big moments is a crucial component of Duke’s championship hopes.

Against Syracuse, Proctor’s all-around game was on full display. He hit three-pointer after three-pointer, converting key shots at crucial moments to keep Syracuse at bay. What stood out, however, was Proctor’s poise and maturity. With a still-growing roster of talented but young players, Proctor has become the anchor for the Blue Devils. His command of the game allowed Duke to remain in control for the entirety of the contest, as his ball movement and decision-making kept the offense flowing smoothly.

Proctor’s leadership was key in breaking down the Syracuse defense. While many other teams struggle against the 2-3 zone that Syracuse is known for, Proctor’s patience and ability to make quick decisions helped the Blue Devils easily navigate the defense and create open shot opportunities. His ability to draw defenders and dish out assists opened up multiple scoring chances for his teammates.

In addition to his scoring and playmaking, Proctor’s defensive efforts were also noteworthy. His ability to disrupt Syracuse’s offense by pressuring the ball and creating turnovers was vital in keeping the Orange off balance. Proctor has emerged as a dual threat, both offensively and defensively, and his continued growth will be critical to Duke’s success going forward.

2. Duke’s Unselfishness: Team Play at Its Best

One of the defining features of Duke’s success this season has been the unselfishness and the fluidity of their offense. The Blue Devils’ ability to share the ball, with everyone willing to contribute, has made them one of the most difficult teams to stop in the country.

In this game against Syracuse, Duke showed just how well their offense flows when the ball is moving. The Blue Devils finished with 21 assists on 31 field goals, a sign that they are playing with great chemistry. Instead of relying on one player to dominate the ball, Duke’s offense has been about working together to find the best possible shot.

Kyle Filipowski, Duke’s 7-foot forward, was another standout performer in this game, contributing 17 points and 9 rebounds. His ability to stretch the floor, grab boards, and finish plays in the paint provides Duke with a versatile weapon on both ends of the floor. Filipowski, like Proctor, was a big part of Duke’s overall ball movement, with several key assists that contributed to the Blue Devils’ offensive success.

Another example of Duke’s team-oriented play was Mark Mitchell, who scored 12 points, including several crucial baskets in the second half. Mitchell’s ability to cut to the basket and finish with ease demonstrated his efficiency in Duke’s offense. Whether it’s in transition or in the half-court, Mitchell’s movements without the ball often create easy scoring chances for the team.

Tyler Baker and Dereck Lively II also played significant roles, adding points and making contributions in ways that don’t necessarily show up in the box score but are crucial to the team’s success. Lively’s shot-blocking ability (3 blocks in the game) was particularly key in shutting down any attempts by Syracuse to generate a consistent inside game.

Duke’s selflessness was on full display throughout the game. The team’s chemistry allowed for quick ball rotations, smart shot selections, and multiple players stepping up to contribute. Head coach Jon Scheyer has made it a point to stress the importance of sharing the ball, and this victory over Syracuse was a perfect example of that approach paying dividends.

Duke’s team-first mentality is something that sets them apart from many other teams, and as the postseason approaches, their ability to work together as a cohesive unit will be one of the major factors in determining their success.

3. Defense Dominates: Duke’s Ability to Control the Game

While Duke’s offensive prowess is well known, it is their defense that has been the foundation of their winning streak. Against Syracuse, the Blue Devils’ defense was relentless, stifling any hope the Orange had of making a run or keeping the game competitive.

The defensive effort started with Dereck Lively II, who has quickly become one of the top shot blockers in the nation. Lively’s presence in the paint was felt throughout the game as he altered shots, swatted away attempts, and forced Syracuse to settle for difficult looks. Lively finished the game with 3 blocks and provided the Blue Devils with a physical and intimidating presence in the post.

Duke’s defensive rotations were crisp and efficient, making it difficult for Syracuse to generate any consistent offense. Their defense not only limited Syracuse’s scoring but also created fast-break opportunities that allowed Duke to get easy baskets. When Duke is playing with such energy and urgency on the defensive end, they are an extremely difficult team to beat.

Proctor was key in creating turnovers, applying pressure on the ball handler, and using his quickness to disrupt Syracuse’s rhythm. He is part of a backcourt that is not only capable of scoring but also providing excellent perimeter defense. Duke’s guards, including Jeremy Roach and Tyrese Proctor, combined to stifle Syracuse’s offensive guards, forcing the ball out of their hands and into uncomfortable situations.

Filipowski also did his part by staying disciplined in his defensive assignments, providing help when necessary, and grabbing key rebounds. His versatility allows him to defend both on the perimeter and in the post, giving Duke a lot of flexibility on the defensive end.

Duke’s suffocating defense forced Syracuse to shoot just 35% from the field and 29% from three-point range. The Blue Devils’ ability to lock down the Orange on both sides of the floor was a direct reason for their lopsided victory. As the team prepares for more formidable opponents in the NCAA Tournament, their defensive prowess will be one of the keys to their success.

What’s Next for Duke?

As Duke continues to roll through the regular season, they find themselves not only in contention for an ACC Championship but also as one of the top teams in the country. The Blue Devils now look ahead to a series of difficult matchups, with games against Virginia, Miami, and North Carolina coming up. While this victory over Syracuse was impressive, Duke will need to continue playing with the same intensity and attention to detail as the season nears its end.

With players like Proctor, Filipowski, and Lively leading the way, Duke has all the tools to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. Their team-first mentality, defensive capabilities, and offensive firepower make them a formidable opponent for anyone. If Duke can continue to build on the momentum they’ve gathered during this 12-game winning streak, they’ll be a force to be reckoned with come March.