Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball One-And-Done Now on Track to Set All-Time NBA Record

Duke basketball product Dereck Lively II is Mr. Efficiency down low for the Mavericks.

Matt Giles

Photo: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports
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The Dallas Mavericks (14-8), sitting third in the Western Conference standings, have won three straight for the first time since their 4-0 start. One explanation for their impressive play of late — despite the absence of Duke basketball talent Kyrie Irving (foot) — is the continued emergence of 19-year-old NBA Blue Devil Dereck Lively II.

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On Monday night, in a 120-113 win at the Memphis Grizzlies, the 7-foot-1, 230-pound center and full-time starter recorded the fourth double-double of his rookie campaign.

Lively, who was drafted No. 12 overall following his one-and-done campaign in Durham, finished with 16 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, and one block in 35 minutes of action. He shot 8-for-9 from the field, bumping his season shooting percentage to an absurd 74.8 while averaging 9.1 points and 8.1 boards per game.

As MavsMuse pointed out in the following Tuesday morning post, Dereck Lively II is on track to set an NBA record for the highest field goal percentage in a season.

Monday's victory in Memphis marked the second starting nod of the season for the team's third Duke basketball alum, 33-year-old guard Seth Curry. He logged 20 minutes, tallying six points, shooting 2-for-5 from the field, 1-for-3 from deep, and 1-for-1 at the line, while adding three boards, two assists, and one steal.

Although Curry is averaging only 4.7 points across his 18 outings this season, he's shooting a respectable 38.1 percent beyond the arc.

Dallas and its cast of Blue Devils host the Los Angeles Lakers (14-9) on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com 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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