At "The U" Duke Got the "W" - Duke 81 - Miami 71

After an emotional come from behind win against UNC on Wednesday, Duke had many excuses that they could have used Sunday if they had come out flat against Miami.  Being a Coach K coached team though, they didn't use those excuses and played a very solid game tonight against a Miami team that gave them their best shot.  After absorbing a hot start by the Canes, Duke really controlled the game after a nice run to finish the first half.  In the end Duke got its 10th ACC win 81-71.

Positives -

Seth Curry's confidence seems to be high after his huge outburst in the UNC game.  When Nolan Smith caught a finger in the eye in the first half and had to sit out for a good 10 minutes, it was Curry who stepped up to lead Duke.  Curry finished with 16 pts.  Curry is clearly stepping in as the 3rd scorer behind Smith and Singler currently. 

Tim Brando on the Fox Sport's coverage mentioned how great it could be for Duke if Curry continued his high level of play and Duke also got Mr. Irving back.  It'd be a disgusting offensive line up on the court with Irving, Curry, Smith, Singler and....heck throw my cat in there and they can put up 80 with that line up.

(Sigh)....enough if's....lets focus on the great season Duke is putting together with its current lineup...my cat Garfield not included.




BOO! Garfield the cat is ready to ball if Irving comes back.


Another positive was Duke's offense getting everyone involved.  I had mentioned that at times earlier this year, Duke's offense was too Singler/Smith-centric.  Today and in the games following the St John's loss, Duke has spread the offensive love more.  This is a very good thing, early season post-Irving Duke would not have handled Singler's bad shooting night against UNC, or Nolan Smith's absence from much of the first half tonight.  With a more well balanced offense, Duke handled each situation well.

Negatives -

Miami shot the three well early in the game, Duke seemed to adjust but the three point defense wasn't great.  It is a minor gripe but for where Duke needs to be come March, even minor gripes need to be addressed.

Yet again Duke got off to a bit of a slow start.  Not sure if this is as much Duke's fault as it is opposing teams really getting up for Duke games and coming out with a burst.  The "Duke Game", it is the game circled on the schedule of every team that plays Duke.  The key for Duke is to handle the built up emotion early in games from opposing teams, then crush their upset dream's like the big bullies and cold blooded killers they can be.
Next Up: @ Virginia, Wednesday 6 pm central. 

...Hope they love losing by 20

PS - Watching the Grammy's while writing this.....Lady Gaga is super weird.