When asked to describe that sequence after Duke’s 70-67 Final Four loss, Flagg said that the Blue Devils executed the play head coach Jon Scheyer drew up. “Took it into the paint, thought I got my feet set, rose up,” Flagg said. “Left it short obviously, but it’s a shot I’m willing to live with in that scenario.”….

When asked to describe that sequence after Duke’s 70-67 Final Four loss, Flagg said that the Blue Devils executed the play head coach Jon Scheyer drew up. “Took it into the paint, thought I got my feet set, rose up,” Flagg said. “Left it short obviously, but it’s a shot I’m willing to live with in that scenario.”

In a dramatic finish to their Final Four matchup, Duke’s basketball team fell to their opponent with a narrow 70-67 loss. The final moments of the game were defined by a crucial possession that saw Duke’s Tyrese Flagg attempt a game-tying shot. While the ball ultimately came up short, Flagg’s response to the moment has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, as the young player reflected on the sequence and his decision to take the final shot.

 

With the game winding down and Duke trailing by just three points, head coach Jon Scheyer called a play designed to give his team one last chance at tying the game. Flagg, who had been a steady presence throughout the contest, was entrusted with the responsibility of executing that play. After a series of quick passes, the ball found its way into Flagg’s hands, and the sophomore guard quickly drove into the paint, navigating the defense with composure.

 

“I took it into the paint, thought I got my feet set, rose up,” Flagg said, describing his approach to the final shot. “I felt like I had good balance, good form, and I was in a position to make it. I thought it was a good look.”

 

Flagg, who had shown poise throughout the game, was given a clean look from mid-range after maneuvering through the defense. The shot seemed on target as it left his hands, but it fell short, bouncing off the rim and signaling the end of Duke’s run in the tournament. The final buzzer echoed throughout the arena, and the Blue Devils were left with the bitter taste of a narrow defeat, their Final Four dreams dashed in heartbreaking fashion.

 

Despite the disappointment of the loss, Flagg’s reaction to the missed shot reflected maturity beyond his years. Instead of dwelling on what could have been, he maintained a sense of responsibility, acknowledging the significance of the moment while remaining resolute.

 

“Obviously, it’s tough,” Flagg admitted. “I left it short, but I’m not going to shy away from that shot. It’s a shot I’m willing to live with in that scenario. If you’re going to be the one to take it, you’ve got to accept that it didn’t go in. It’s part of the game.”

 

Flagg’s candidness in the aftermath was a testament to his character and his understanding of the pressure that comes with high-stakes moments. His decision to take the shot was based on trust in his preparation, his teammates, and the system that Scheyer had instilled throughout the season. While the shot ultimately didn’t fall, it was clear that Flagg had embraced his role as a leader on the court, willing to take the big shot when the game was on the line.

 

For Duke, the loss marks the end of a promising tournament run, but the team’s growth and resilience throughout the season were evident in their performance. Flagg, who had been a key contributor throughout the year, demonstrated not only his skill but his ability to stay composed under pressure. Although Duke’s season came to a close, the future remains bright for the Blue Devils, with players like Flagg continuing to gain invaluable experience in such high-pressure scenarios.

 

As for Flagg, his willingness to stand by his shot, despite the result, highlights a mindset that will serve him well in future moments of adversity. While the missed shot may have been the difference in the game, his mental fortitude remains one of the key takeaways from Duke’s deep tournament run.