Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Teammates Send Statement in Preseason Opener

Duke basketball's Marvin Bagley III and Grayson Allen shined in Detroit on Sunday.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball stars Grayson Allen and Marvin Bagley III (Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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In his first season with arguably the NBA's top title contender in the Phoenix Suns, Duke basketball alum Grayson Allen must prove he belongs in the regular rotation despite being a full-time starter in the Milwaukee Bucks backcourt the past two seasons.

Meanwhile, 2017-18 Duke basketball one-and-done Marvin Bagley III, a teammate in Durham to then-senior Allen, is battling a few fellow young post players for playing time in his third season with the Detroit Pistons.

It's safe to say Allen and Bagley got off to a good start this preseason in the Suns' 130-126 overtime win in Detroit on Sunday afternoon. Each led his team in scoring.

Allen finished with 18 points on 7-for-11 shooting, including a 3-for-6 clip beyond the arc, in his 20 minutes off the bench. The 28-year-old added three rebounds, three assists, two steals, and one block, all without recording a turnover or foul.

Bagley played 22 minutes as a backup to Isaiah Stewart at center, totaling 25 points, seven boards, one assist, and only one turnover. Furthermore, the 24-year-old scored efficiently and from everywhere, shooting 10-for-14 from the field, 1-for-2 from deep, and 4-for-5 at the charity stripe.

Next up on the preseason slate for Marvin Bagley III and the Pistons is a road contest against the Oklahoma City Thunder at 7 p.m. ET Thursday. As for Grayson Allen and the Suns, they host the Denver Nuggets at 10 p.m. Tuesday. 

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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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