Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball One-And-Dones Supply Dual Game-Winning Moments

Former Duke basketball sensations Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson combined forces to silence Portland in emphatic fashion.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Zion Williamson
Former Duke basketball forward Zion Williamson / Soobum Im-Imagn Images
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Duke basketball legend Zion Williamson was out with an illness in the New Orleans Pelicans' Wednesday night season opener, in which Dejounte Murray sustained a left hand fracture that has the star newcomer out of commission indefinitely. Nevertheless, the franchise is now off to a 2-0 start after posting a 49-33 record last go-round, its most regular season wins in 15 years.

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A bulk of the credit belongs to NBA Blue Devil forward Brandon Ingram.

He followed up his 33-point outing in the 2024-25 Pelicans' opener, a 123-111 win over the visiting Chicago Bulls, with the following go-ahead splash from the elbow with 4.9 ticks remaining in their dramatic 105-103 road victory over the Portland Trail Blazers late Friday night:

And on Portland's ensuing possession, Williamson skied high to provide the perfectly timed finishing touch via the following no-nonsense swat-and-grab in the paint as time expired and the Blazers looked on in outpowered, out-clutched defeat:

Ingram finished with 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block across his 35 minutes on the floor. Williamson played 29 minutes in his undoubtedly encouraging season debut, chipping in 16 points, 11 boards, seven dimes, one steal, and four blocks.

The Pelicans and their surging Duke basketball duo — already three career NBA All-Star selections between the 24-year-old Zion Williamson and recently turned 27-year-old Brandon Ingram — remain in Portland for the Blazers' instant-revenge opportunity at 6 p.m. ET Sunday.

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Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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