The Blue Devils are still trying to recover from an extended stoppage in play due to health and safety protocols
Duke was averaging 85.2 points, a +1.90 assist/turnover ratio and 9.3 steals in 12 games (11-1) before the Christmas break. In two games since returning, Duke has averaged 71.5 points, a 1.1 assist/turnover ratio and had just five total steals.
In Saturday’s loss to Miami the Blue Devils turned the ball over 17 times and were outscored in the paint 52-38. Coach K admitted after the game that his squad is not physically in the same shape they were in before the pause.
Duke has found success with a “smaller lineup” that features Jeremy Roach, Trevor Keels, Wendell Moore Jr, AJ Griffin and Paolo Banchero. Griffin, who has battled knee injuries, has been a spark off the bench for the Blue Devils, scoring in double figures in five of the last six games.
Wednesday night, Duke made a change to their starting lineup ahead of their rivalry game against Wake Forest, inserting Griffin in for Jeremy Roach – a group that’s bigger than their traditional starters. Expect the starting lineup to be fluid as the coaching staff at Duke continues to find the group that works best together on the court and for specific matchups.