Duke and Curry both impress
Jan 8, 2009
Duke threw just about every defender it had at Stephen Curry. Nolan Smith, Jon Scheyer, Greg Paulus, Gerald Henderson, even Kyle Singler and Lance Thomas swarmed around Curry like cowboys on horseback. But the nation’s most elusive two-footed creature made his escape in the second half - and nearly dragged the Devils along for the ride.
The plan to keep Curry in the corral was well-conceived and well-executed. For a time it looked like the slender junior might not get a chance to show all the things he can do on the basketball court. Duke defenders forced Curry to make bad passes and dribble in heavy traffic. They stepped in front of him trying to draw charges and blocked a couple of his shots. The Blue Devils made Curry work on the defensive end, hoping to wear him out. Most importantly, Duke gave ground (although grudgingly) when Curry chose to drive to the basket - but did not allow him room to shoot three pointers. Curry made just one of eight threes, actually putting up an air ball on one occasion. And Duke did not let Curry get to the free throw line-where he shoots about 90 percent, until late in the game.
For a time it seemed like Duke might be able to hold Curry to about half his 29-point average. But this guy is really good.
Curry rarely forced things, waiting patiently for the very small window he needs to launch a jumper or float toward the basket. His first hoop came on a lay up through a narrow opening in the lane. His second was a jumper with such a quick release no defender could have stopped it. His third basket came when he got a defensive rebound and beat the defense down the floor by himself. His fourth came with the help of a screen. When Duke’s defenders switched to pick him up, Curry abruptly stepped back and fired a perfect 19-footer.
Late in the first half and early in the second, Duke played near perfect offense and opened a 25-point lead. Singler and Scheyer wore out the Wildcat defense, and offensive rebounds gave the Devils extra possessions. The lead grew to 63-38. Then Duke remained stuck on 63 for a very long time. At this juncture, Curry had scored just 14 points. But Duke’s cold spell played right into his hands.
Curry rebounded the first Duke miss himself and blew down the court. Not only did he get a step on the defense, he soared above much taller players for a stunning dunk. Mike Krzyzewski called time. A couple of possessions later, Curry picked a Duke pocket, and took that in for a layup. More empty trips followed for the Blue Devils. Curry snared another rebound and dribbled his way to the wide open spaces. This time he made a three pointer-his only one all night. That cut the score to 63-49, and Krzyzewski called another time-out.
Now Duke began to get production from its offense after the long dry spell. But Davidson kept coming. Curry fed Andrew Lovedale for a basket. Then he drove to hole again himself. Lovedale made a big block-then scored at the other end. The Duke lead dwindled to just 69-61. Cameron Indoor Stadium grew quiet.
“All of a sudden it felt like we were losing, even though we were up eight or 10,” Scheyer said. His coach added: “All was well in Krzyzewskiville. Then all of a sudden the clouds rolled in, the wind started blowing, and it looks like this story may not have such a happy ending.”
Duke missed yet again at 69-61, but Lance Thomas leaped high to snare the night’s most important offensive rebound. Curry fouled him, his fourth foul, and Thomas coolly made two free throws. Duke’s win was now secure, but Curry kept the Devils’ bench and crowd on edge. He drove to the basket one more time, then jerked up a 25-foot prayer of a shot that somehow drew a foul. He made all three free throws. Despite Duke’s best efforts, Curry managed 29 points - his season average.
The Davidson star had high praise for Duke. “It takes a special team to use that many defenders on me and not miss a beat,” Curry noted.
Here are a couple of observations, going forward. This Duke team has the chance to be one of Mike Krzyzewski’s best, especially on the defensive end. It has held 9 of 14 opponents to 60 points or less. That makes Curry’s night at Cameron all the more impressive. He looks even better courtside than he does on TV. You can see all the little things he does to lose those defenders giving chase. He rubs off screens. He drives. He hesistates then goes. Curry is especially hard to defend on fast breaks. He has this ability to disappear in traffic for a moment, then emerge all at once with a devastating surge.
The Cameron Crazies had fun with Curry as he struggled early in the game, chanting “air ball” and “you can’t shoot.” But by night’s end a couple of the Duke students were talking about how good their team could be - if Stephen Curry were on their side.
