**Duke Basketball's Atlanta Nail-Biter: 4 Lessons**

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Post on Nov 13, 2024

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Duke Basketball's Atlanta Nail-Biter: 4 Lessons Learned

The 2023 NCAA Tournament was a rollercoaster of emotions for Duke basketball fans. The Blue Devils' journey through the tournament was full of thrilling wins, agonizing losses, and plenty of drama. One game, in particular, stands out for its intense nature: the Sweet Sixteen matchup against Tennessee in Atlanta. This game, which saw Duke narrowly escape with a 68-66 victory, delivered more than its fair share of excitement and lessons for the program moving forward.

Here are four key takeaways from that nail-biting contest:

1. Defense Still Matters:

Despite the presence of future NBA star Kyle Filipowski, the 2023 Duke squad wasn't always known for its offensive prowess. However, the team's success hinged on their defensive intensity, a characteristic on full display against Tennessee. Duke held the Volunteers to just 36.4% shooting from the field, highlighting the importance of a strong defense in close games.

2. Free Throws Are Crucial:

Free throw shooting is a critical aspect of basketball, especially in close games. Duke's 18-of-24 performance from the charity stripe was a key factor in their victory. Conversely, Tennessee's 10-of-18 performance at the line proved costly, showcasing the importance of consistent free throw shooting in crunch time.

3. Bench Depth is a Strength:

Duke's ability to overcome a sluggish start was fueled by the contributions of their bench. Tyrese Proctor's 17 points provided a much-needed boost, demonstrating the value of a deep roster that can contribute consistently.

4. Experience Matters:

The experience of Duke's veterans, particularly Jeremy Roach and Ryan Young, proved vital. Their composure and ability to make key plays in pressure situations allowed them to guide the team through the tense moments of the game.

Looking Forward: Lessons Learned and Next Steps

While the 2023 season ended in a disappointing loss to Texas in the Elite Eight, the lessons learned in the Atlanta thriller against Tennessee are invaluable. Duke's future success will rely on their continued commitment to defensive intensity, consistent free throw shooting, developing bench depth, and leveraging the experience of their core players. These key areas, when strengthened, will help the Blue Devils build upon their recent success and chase future championship dreams.

Keywords: Duke Basketball, NCAA Tournament, Sweet Sixteen, Tennessee, Kyle Filipowski, Tyrese Proctor, Jeremy Roach, Ryan Young, defense, free throws, bench depth, experience, championship, basketball, sports, college basketball, NCAA