Blue Devil Country

Kyle Filipowski Shines Against Former Duke Basketball Teammate

The former Duke basketball sensation is proving why he should've been a first-rounder.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Kyle Filipowski
Former Duke basketball forward Kyle Filipowski / Rob Gray-Imagn Images
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Kyle Filipowski fell to the early second round at the 2024 NBA Draft despite leading the Duke basketball program in scoring and rebounding in each of his seasons with the Blue Devils. Now, it appears the Utah Jazz's 6-foot-11, 250-pound New York native is beginning to make teams regret letting him slip past the first round.

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On Thursday night, the Jazz (3-8) defeated the defending Western Conference champion Dallas Mavericks at home, 115-113, improving to 2-1 when Filipowski logs 24 minutes or more.

Earning his fourth start of the season, the 21-year-old finished with 14 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block while shooting 6-for-8 from the field and 1-for-1 beyond the arc across his career-high 30 minutes on the floor.

That encouraging performance followed Filipowski's career-high 18 points in a 120-112 home loss to the Phoenix Suns two nights earlier.

The Mavericks were without the services of one of their two Duke basketball products against the Jazz, as Kyrie Irving sat out to rest his strained shoulder. As for the other Blue Devil on the Dallas roster, second-year NBA center Dereck Lively II, Kyle Filipowski's freshman teammate in Durham, tallied five points, two rebounds, one steal, and four blocks in his 17 minutes as a starter.

Filipowski, a two-time All-ACC performer under Jon Scheyer, is now averaging 7.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, shooting 57.7 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from downtown.

He and the Utah Jazz next face a road game against the Sacramento Kings (7-5) at 10 p.m. ET Saturday.

ALSO READ: List of Former Duke Players Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more updates on NBA Blue Devils and other 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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