New Look Duke Looks Good Against Wake Forest

Significantly altering your starting lineup right before March isn't something you see many NCAA coaches do, especially when their team is ranked in the Top 10 nationally.

But that is exactly what Duke's Mike Krzyzewski has done, and after a convincing win over Wake Forest Sunday night, it looks like it could pay off for the Blue Devils.  

For the second consecutive game, Krzyzewski handed the point guard duties to Jon Scheyer and started freshman Elliot Williams in the backcourt.  Scheyer has responded well at the helm of the Blue Devils' offense, averaging 24 points and tallying just one turnover in the last two games.  Elliot Williams has also performed like a true starter, scoring in double figures in both games while adding a significant boost in athleticism and defensive intensity.

Duke's new lineup creates significant mismatch issues for opponents, with no starter under 6' 4" and all players able to switch on screens, get into passing lanes, and run the floor effectively.  Those benefits were especially apparent in the first half of Duke's victory over Wake, as they consistently forced turnovers that led to breakaway scoring opportunities.

No player benefited from Duke's new found energy more than Gerald Henderson, who scored a career-high 35 points on a brilliant performance.  Henderson was able to score at will for the duration of the game, putting together what seemed like a season's worth of highlight dunks and mid-range jumpers.  Henderson was also able to get to the foul line 14 times, connecting on 12 of those attempts.

Jon Scheyer also had a career performance, scoring 30 and taking care of the ball as Duke had only six turnovers (compared to 20 by the Demon Deacons).  Keeping the ball in his hands seems to have solved his offensive struggles of late; in the last two games, Scheyer is shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc while mixing it up enough to get the foul line 25 times.

Elliot Williams also turned in a strong performance, scoring 11 points with four steals. He set the pace early for the Blue Devils on Sunday, scoring four points and coming up with three steals in the first three minutes of the first half.

Wake Forest turned in an impressive performance, shooting over 60 percent from the field and 55 percent from deep range.  Jeff Teague continued to build his All-ACC resume, scoring 28 points and leading his team within striking distance after the Blue Devils built a 22-point first half lead.

But in the end, it was too much Gerald Henderson, too much Jon Scheyer, and too many Duke free throws (they made 27 of 36) for the talented Deacons to overcome. Duke walked away with it's first signature conference win, and a big shot of confidence heading into the closing weeks of conference play.