Duke Basketball: 2018-19 keys for Blue Devils at Virginia
By Zach De Jong
2. Take high percentage shots and don’t settle for three-pointers
In their first match-up, the Blue Devils were coming off a home loss to Syracuse where they finished nine of forty-three from behind the arc. Because of the terrible shooting number the game before – Duke focused on only taking high percentage looks in their first match-up with Virginia. The Blue Devils ended up only taking fourteen threes in their home win versus Virginia a few weeks ago. The Blue Devils should keep this same mindset to get the regular season sweep versus the Cavaliers.
It is near impossible to debate if the Blue Devils should drive into the lane or take a three-pointer when they have Zion Williamson and R.J. Barrett on the floor. When you have two players who can drive the ball as well Williamson and Barrett they should not settle for low percentage three-point attempts. Williamson has scored on 75.2 percent of his two-point field goals this season. Williamson has broken player efficiency numbers all year.
The one player who could open up the floor for the Blue Devils is Cam Reddish who has started to shoot the ball with confidence. Reddish seems to have found himself in the last three games versus Notre Dame, St. Johns, and Boston College. Reddish is shooting 37.9 percent in those three games. He has also been willing to attack the lane off the dribble. Reddish is someone who could change the dynamic of this rematch, after only scoring nine points in their previous match-up.