Duke Blue Devils’ Steady Rise: A Look at Their Recent Performance and KenPom Rankings
The Duke Blue Devils are once again proving their mettle as one of the top teams in the country. After a dominant performance over the SMU Mustangs on Saturday, Duke remains ranked second in the KenPom rankings, edging closer to the No. 1 spot held by Auburn. The Blue Devils have been an offensive and defensive powerhouse this season, and their impressive performance against SMU only solidified their status as a national contender.
Saturday’s victory marked another chapter in what has been a promising 2024-25 campaign for Jon Scheyer’s squad. The win improved Duke’s overall record and extended their win streak to eight games, continuing their dominance on both sides of the ball.
But beyond the win itself, the statistics are what truly stand out. In holding the Mustangs—who boasted the ACC’s top offense—to just 62 points, Duke not only showcased their defensive prowess but also highlighted a growing strength in their ability to adapt to and stymie even the most potent offensive teams. This performance is a clear signal that Duke’s defense, which ranks third in the nation according to KenPom, is firing on all cylinders.
The Defensive Mastery
Duke’s defensive effort against SMU was nothing short of stellar. The Mustangs entered the game averaging 87.2 points per game, one of the highest offensive outputs in the country. But the Blue Devils’ defense had other plans, limiting SMU to just 62 points, marking their lowest offensive total of the season. This was no small feat, especially given the Mustangs’ offensive firepower and their ability to stretch the floor with a high-scoring attack.
The key to Duke’s defensive success has been their ability to shut down shooting lanes and contest nearly every shot. Cooper Flagg, the rising star of the team, has been at the forefront of this effort. His combination of length, quickness, and basketball IQ allows him to guard multiple positions, disrupt passing lanes, and block shots without fouling. Against SMU, Flagg was a constant presence in the paint, stifling any attempts to drive and forcing the Mustangs into difficult shots.
Additionally, the Blue Devils have made significant strides in team defense, with everyone from Tyrese Proctor to Caleb Foster contributing to the effort. Proctor, in particular, has developed into one of the most efficient and dynamic defenders in the country, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s best player. His ability to disrupt ball handlers and create turnovers has made him a key asset for Duke’s defensive strategy.
With Duke’s defense ranking No. 3 in the nation according to KenPom, it is evident that Scheyer has successfully established a hard-nosed, high-pressure defensive system that keeps opponents on their toes. The Blue Devils have a deep roster capable of switching on screens, protecting the rim, and locking down shooters—an ability that has been crucial in their impressive run this season.
Offensive Efficiency on Display
While Duke has made its mark with defense, their offense is beginning to click in a way that suggests they are ready to challenge for the nation’s top spot. Against SMU, the Blue Devils eclipsed 80 points for the third consecutive game, a feat they had not achieved earlier in the season. The offensive output, paired with their strong defensive play, created a potent formula that overwhelmed the Mustangs.
What has stood out for Duke offensively is their balanced scoring and efficient shooting. Cooper Flagg has continued to emerge as a dynamic three-level scorer, and his ability to space the floor, hit mid-range shots, and score inside has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses. Flagg’s recent efficiency—hitting 61.5% of his shots against SMU—demonstrates his growing confidence and comfort within the offense.
Alongside Flagg, guards like Tyrese Proctor and Caleb Foster have played pivotal roles in Duke’s offensive success. Proctor has proven to be a steady ball handler and facilitator, able to score but also to set up his teammates for easy buckets. Foster, coming off the bench, has been one of the most efficient shooters on the team, especially from beyond the arc, contributing to Duke’s increased three-point shooting percentage.
In fact, Duke’s offense has been so efficient this season that it now ranks as the 10th-best offense in the nation according to KenPom. The Blue Devils are scoring at an adjusted rate of +35.08 points per 100 possessions, an excellent mark that places them just behind Auburn, who currently leads the country with +36.69. This high-adjusted scoring differential showcases Duke’s ability to put up points quickly while also maintaining efficiency—traits that are often characteristic of championship-caliber teams.
The KenPom Metrics: A Reflection of Duke’s Strengths
KenPom is a trusted analytical tool that evaluates teams based on both their offensive and defensive efficiencies. In the most recent rankings, Duke is ranked second overall, just behind Auburn, thanks to their excellent performance in both categories.
As mentioned earlier, Duke’s defense is ranked No. 3 in the country, which speaks to their ability to limit opposing offenses and make stops when needed. The Blue Devils’ defense is built on a strong foundation of athleticism, depth, and communication, making them a difficult team to break down. Their high-ranking in defensive efficiency is a testament to their ability to disrupt offenses, contest shots, and rebound effectively.
On the offensive side, Duke ranks No. 10 in the nation, which is impressive considering the strength of competition they have faced thus far. The Blue Devils have shown an ability to score efficiently from multiple areas of the court, including in transition, in the paint, and from beyond the arc. Their offensive efficiency combined with their defensive prowess results in a solid adjusted scoring differential of +35.08 per 100 possessions. This number places them in the elite category, as no other team in the country has a differential higher than +33.00.
Duke’s overall balanced approach—ranking inside the top 10 on both offense and defense—puts them in an elite class of teams, with only Iowa State joining them in that category.
The Road Ahead: A Key ACC Showdown
Looking ahead, Pittsburgh will be the next team to test Duke’s mettle as they travel to Cameron Indoor Stadium on Tuesday for a crucial ACC matchup. Pittsburgh, currently ranked No. 23 in KenPom’s standings, is one of the top teams in the ACC and figures to be a significant challenge for Duke. While the Panthers have struggled a bit with consistency this season, they still possess a potent offense and a stout defense that can test the Blue Devils’ resolve.
For Duke, this game will be an opportunity to continue their climb toward the No. 1 spot in KenPom’s rankings, as they will look to showcase both their offensive firepower and defensive dominance once again. If the Blue Devils can handle Pittsburgh effectively, they’ll not only solidify their position in the rankings but also send a message that they are prepared to contend for a national championship.
Conclusion
With the Duke Blue Devils continuing their strong play on both ends of the court, they are right on the heels of Auburn for the No. 1 spot in the KenPom rankings. Their impressive victory over SMU, combined with their elite defensive play and offensive efficiency, positions them as one of the top teams in college basketball. As the season progresses, Duke will continue to refine their game, with key matchups like the one against Pittsburgh serving as critical tests along the way.
As the team moves toward March, there’s no doubt that Jon Scheyer’s squad is well-positioned for a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and their status among the nation’s elite programs is firmly cemented.
