Cooper Flagg’s Historic Performance Leads Duke to Dominant Win Over Wake Forest

In a commanding 93-60 victory over Wake Forest, the No. 2-ranked Duke Blue Devils put on a show in front of their home crowd, capping off a dominant regular-season home stretch with an emphatic win. The standout of the night was none other than freshman sensation Cooper Flagg, who showed why he is considered one of the top prospects for the upcoming NBA Draft. Flagg poured in 28 points, while also contributing eight rebounds, seven assists, three blocks, and two steals, proving once again that he is capable of impacting the game on both ends of the floor.

This game not only extended Duke’s winning streak but also sent a strong message to the rest of the country that the Blue Devils are a force to be reckoned with, both now and in the future. For Flagg, this performance was the latest in a series of eye-catching displays that have made him a household name in the world of college basketball. But his performance against Wake Forest was more than just a statistical showcase; it was a testament to his growing confidence, versatility, and leadership as the Blue Devils head into the final stretch of the season.

The Dominance of Cooper Flagg

Flagg has been a standout player since his arrival at Duke, and his game against Wake Forest served to solidify his reputation as one of the brightest young stars in college basketball. Scoring 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including a flawless 4-of-4 from the free-throw line, Flagg showed an efficient offensive game that included several pull-up jumpers, three-pointers, and strong drives to the basket. His ability to score from various spots on the floor has been one of the hallmarks of his game, and in this contest, he displayed his poise and maturity beyond his years.

But it’s not just Flagg’s scoring that makes him so valuable; his all-around play has been a defining feature of his freshman season. Against Wake Forest, Flagg grabbed eight rebounds, showing a tenacity on the glass that is rare for a player of his age. His seven assists were also impressive, as he displayed his ability to run Duke’s offense, distributing the ball effectively and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. In addition to his offensive contributions, Flagg was an absolute force defensively, adding three blocks and two steals. His defensive awareness and versatility make him a complete player, and it’s no surprise that he’s projected to be a high pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

In many ways, Flagg’s performance against Wake Forest was a microcosm of his entire season. He’s been able to impact the game in so many different ways, proving that he is not just a scorer, but a leader, defender, and playmaker. His maturity on the court belies his freshman status, and the Blue Devils are benefitting from his all-around game. His versatility has allowed Duke to play at an elite level, and with March Madness just around the corner, they will be counting on Flagg to continue his dominant play.

The Blue Devils’ Team Performance

While Flagg was undoubtedly the star of the game, Duke’s victory over Wake Forest was also a team effort. The Blue Devils have one of the deepest rosters in college basketball, and it was evident in this matchup. Alongside Flagg, several other players contributed significantly to the victory, showcasing Duke’s offensive and defensive balance.

Kon Knueppel, another key contributor, chipped in 17 points in the win, shooting 6-of-9 from the field. Knueppel has become one of Duke’s most reliable scorers this season, and his ability to stretch the floor as a shooter gives Duke another dynamic weapon in their offensive arsenal. His contribution was essential to Duke’s success, as it helped alleviate some of the pressure on Flagg, allowing the team to sustain offensive production even when Wake Forest attempted to key in on Flagg.

Tyrese Proctor, who had missed some time earlier in the season due to injury, made a strong return in this game. Proctor added 12 points to the scoreline, showing the poise and scoring ability that has made him one of the most promising guards in the ACC. Proctor’s return to form gives Duke another experienced ball handler and scorer, which will be crucial as they navigate through the ACC Tournament and into the NCAA Tournament.

Sion James and Mason Gillis also contributed in a big way, each scoring 11 points. James, a versatile forward, has been one of the key role players for Duke this season. His ability to defend multiple positions and contribute offensively makes him a crucial piece of the Blue Devils’ rotation. Gillis, a senior, provides valuable experience and leadership on the court, and his ability to score efficiently gives Duke yet another reliable option. The balanced scoring from these players has been one of Duke’s strengths this season, making them a difficult team to game plan for.

Duke’s overall team performance against Wake Forest was a reflection of their depth and cohesion. The Blue Devils shot 52% from the field and 42% from beyond the arc, while holding Wake Forest to just 35% shooting. Defensively, Duke was active, swarming the ball and making life difficult for Wake Forest’s shooters. Their commitment to both ends of the floor is what makes Duke such a dangerous team, as they are not just dependent on one or two players to carry them—they have a well-rounded group that can contribute in every area of the game.

The ACC and the Road Ahead

With their win over Wake Forest, Duke improved to 28-2 on the season and clinched at least a share of the ACC regular-season title. This victory also marked their undefeated home record for the year, a testament to their dominance at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Blue Devils have been nearly flawless this season, and their performances have made them one of the favorites to win the national championship.

Duke’s success has been built on a combination of offensive firepower, defensive intensity, and exceptional coaching. Head coach Jon Scheyer has done a remarkable job of managing the talent on his roster, getting the most out of his players and building a cohesive unit. Scheyer, who took over as head coach after the retirement of legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski, has seamlessly transitioned into the role, and his leadership has been a key factor in Duke’s success.

The Blue Devils now turn their attention to the ACC Tournament, where they will look to secure a high seed for the NCAA Tournament. Their performance in the conference tournament will be crucial in determining their path to the Final Four, and with players like Flagg, Knueppel, and Proctor leading the charge, Duke is primed for a deep run.

Beyond the ACC Tournament, the Blue Devils are already focused on the NCAA Tournament, where they will look to cement their status as one of the nation’s elite programs. With Flagg’s continued development, Duke’s championship aspirations are very much alive, and the team will need all hands on deck to compete with the top teams in the country.

Cooper Flagg’s Future and the NBA Draft

As impressive as Flagg’s performance has been for Duke this season, the biggest question surrounding the freshman sensation is his future. Flagg is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA Draft, and his standout performances throughout the season have only enhanced his stock. His ability to score at will, defend multiple positions, and play with a high basketball IQ makes him an intriguing prospect for NBA teams.

After the game against Wake Forest, Flagg addressed questions about his future, with many fans chanting “one more year!” as they hoped to see him return to Duke for another season. However, it’s widely expected that Flagg will declare for the NBA Draft at the end of the season. His stock is high, and with his skill set, he is likely to be a top pick, potentially going No. 1 overall. Whether or not he returns for another year at Duke remains to be seen, but for now, Flagg is fully focused on leading the Blue Devils to a national title.

Regardless of his future, there is no denying that Cooper Flagg has made an indelible mark on Duke’s basketball program. His performances this season have been nothing short of spectacular, and he has the potential to be one of the greats in both college basketball and the NBA.

Cooper Flagg’s dominant performance in Duke’s 93-60 win over Wake Forest was just another example of his immense talent and impact on the court. As one of the top players in the country, Flagg has shown that he is capable of carrying a team to victory on any given night. Alongside his talented teammates, Flagg is helping lead Duke toward an ACC championship and a potential national title.

The Blue Devils are poised for a deep run in the NCAA Tournament, and with players like Flagg leading the charge, they will be a tough team to beat. Whether Flagg stays for another year at Duke or moves on to the NBA, his legacy at the school is already being written. And for Duke, the future looks bright with Flagg at the center of it all.

As the season progresses and the Blue Devils turn their focus to the postseason, fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching to see just how far Flagg and the Blue Devils can go. With his talent, poise, and leadership, Flagg is well on his way to becoming one of the most impactful players in college basketball, and his performance against Wake Forest was a reminder of just how special he truly is.