Duke Basketball: Takeaways from Blue Devils gritty win over Georgia Tech

3. Tre Jones is ready to be Duke’s “closer”

Tre Jones is one of three team captains for Duke basketball and the only captain who is not an upperclassman. It is somewhat fitting, considering that Jones is wise beyond his years on the court. He took on a much, much larger share of the offense this season, seeing an over 5% increase in his usage rate compared to last season. While improved, he still is not a great 3-point shooter but has enough skill to be an overall solid scorer. Jones knows how to pick his spots to attack on offense, as evidenced by his 16 points on only seven field-goal attempts.

Jones, as per usual, was focused on setting up his teammates (seven assists) and harassing the opposing team’s playmakers. Though Jones finished with four turnovers, he also collected four steals and a team-leading (!!) eight rebounds. His effort on the defensive glass was especially impressive for a Duke basketball team that ended up getting out-rebounded by nine boards and was particularly beat up by Georgia Tech on the offensive glass.

On his birthday of all days—by the way, happy belated birthday to Mr. Jones—Jones did everything Duke needed him to do at the perfect moment as well. With the Blue Devils tied 61-61 with the Yellow Jackets, Jones knocked down a crucial midrange jump shot that would go on to be the bucket to put Duke ahead for the final time in Wednesday’s contest. He then added another tough midrange jumper that he finished through contact to put the Blue Devils ahead by four points with just over two minutes left.

It took a gritty, defense-oriented effort to take down a tough Georgia Tech team on the road but with their effort, Duke basketball showed that they are truly in control of the ACC until further notice.