DURHAM, North Carolina – During Thursday’s ACC tournament quarterfinal match against Georgia Tech, Duke Blue Devils player Cooper Flagg suffered an ankle injury that forced him to exit the game in the first half. The young player’s absence left a void in the team, with Duke trailing behind in the game. Flagg’s injury appeared to occur when he landed awkwardly after grabbing a rebound. He received treatment on the bench before being escorted to the locker room for further evaluation.
Medical staff later wheeled Flagg out for x-rays, indicating the seriousness of his injury. Despite initial hopes for his return, Duke announced at the start of the second half that Flagg was unlikely to rejoin the game. In a further blow to the team, forward Maliq Brown also had to be ruled out due to a shoulder injury sustained during the first half of the game.
Despite the setback, Flagg showed resilience as he emerged from the locker room without a boot on his ankle and was able to walk unassisted. He made his way back to the bench to support his teammates, displaying his dedication to the game and the team. Meanwhile, Duke struggled on the court, shooting poorly from long range and from the field overall.
As the Blue Devils fought to close the gap against Georgia Tech, Flagg’s limited contribution of two points on 1-of-7 shooting in the first half highlighted the impact of his absence. The talented 18-year-old, projected to be a top pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, has had a standout season with Duke, earning several accolades for his performance on the court.
Despite the challenges faced in the game, Flagg’s injury serves as a reminder of the physical toll that competitive sports can take on young athletes. The Duke community and fans will undoubtedly be hoping for a swift recovery for Flagg, as his presence on the court has been instrumental in the team’s success throughout the season.