Skip to main content
Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Champ Returns From Soreness, Fuels Significant Victory

Former Duke basketball guard Grayson Allen led all scorers in a battle between contenders.
Matt Giles|
Former Duke basketball guard Grayson Allen
Former Duke basketball guard Grayson Allen | Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In this story:

Duke Blue Devils

After sitting out the Phoenix Suns' home victory over the formidable Cleveland Cavaliers two nights prior due to hip soreness, Grayson Allen returned to the starting lineup on Friday night. And the Duke basketball product exhibited no signs of discomfort.

Allen tallied a game-high 23 points en route to the surging Suns (46-31), now No. 6 in the Western Conference standings and riding a three-game winning streak, defeating the West-leading Minnesota Timberwolves (53-24), 97-87. He added eight rebounds, one assist, and two steals across his 33 minutes on the floor, shooting 6-for-14 from the field, 4-for-8 from downtown, and 7-for-8 at the charity stripe.

As for the Timberwolves' lone Duke basketball alum, second-year forward Wendell Moore Jr., who has bounced back and forth between the Timberwolves and their G League affiliate this season, played four minutes off the bench in the contest, scoring two points and dishing out one assist.

RELATED: List of Every Former Blue Devil Currently in the NBA

Through 70 appearances as a full-time starter in his first campaign with the Suns, Grayson Allen is averaging a career-high 13.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.1 assists. Moreover, the 2015 national champion and former No. 21 overall draft pick continues to lead the NBA with his career-best 47.0 shooting percentage beyond the arc, and his 87.8 free throw percentage ranks No. 13 in the league.

The Suns next host the New Orleans Pelicans, featuring NBA Blue Devils Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, at 6 p.m. ET Sunday.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for more updates on NBA Blue Devils and other Duke basketball news.

Loading recommendations... Please wait while we load personalized content recommendations

Published
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.

Share on XFollow MattGilesBD
Home/NBA Blue Devils