Blue Devil Country

Two-Year Duke Basketball Star Tastes Center Stage in Utah

Recent Duke basketball centerpiece Kyle Filipowski capitalized on that role with the Jazz for a night, albeit in an overtime loss.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Kyle Filipowski
Former Duke basketball forward Kyle Filipowski / Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
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Duke basketball product and Utah Jazz (13-41) rookie big man Kyle Filipowski tied fellow Thursday night starter Lauri Markkanen with a team-high 20 points in the 120-116 overtime home defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Clippers (31-23), the last game before NBA All-Star Weekend began.

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

Not only did the scoring total mark a new career high for the 2024 early second round draft pick, but Filipowski also secured his third double-double as a pro by grabbing 10 rebounds, matching Clippers guard James Harden for the game-high count on the glass.

The 21-year-old Filipowski, a 6-foot-11, 250-pound New York native who became the 2022-23 ACC Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-ACC selection as a member of Jon Scheyer's first class on the Duke basketball throne, shot 8-for-12 from the field, 3-for-6 from three, and 1-for-1 at the line.

Through 44 appearances, Kyle Filipowski is averaging 6.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 18.3 minutes per game, primarily off the bench. He's shooting 50.5 percent from the field, 33.3 percent beyond the arc, and 62.7 percent at the charity stripe.

ALSO READ: Cooper Flagg Sees Duke Teammate 'Coming Alive' on Offense

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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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