Duke Basketball Champ Running Away With Another NBA Season Stat Crown

Former Duke basketball star Tyus Jones remains unmatched in the assist-to-turnover department, and he's widening the gap.
Photo credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

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Five years running. That's the length of 27-year-old Washington Wizards guard Tyus Jones' assist-to-turnover title streak. At this point, it's probably safe to at least pencil in a sixth season in a row for the memorably advanced 2014-15 Duke basketball one-and-done national champion.

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Jones, now in his first season as the Wizards starting floor general following four seasons apiece with the Memphis Grizzlies and the franchise that drafted him No. 24 overall in the Minnesota Timberwolves, has a 7.6 assist-to-turnover ratio and zero game absences for a struggling Wizards team (9-49) that at least has his stat to boast.

The record season assist-to-turnover ratio is 7.0, which Jones set in 2018-19.

No. 2 in the league's assist-to-turnover race this go-round is Golden State Warriors guard Chris Paul at 5.9, well behind Tyus Jones, a recent entrant into the NBA's 2,500-assist club.

Furthermore, note that Jones' number is on the rise of late. Between the Wizards' past six contests, albeit all part of their current 12-game losing streak, the NBA Blue Devil has 79 assists to only eight turnovers, an insane 9.9 ratio.

He hasn't committed more than two turnovers in a game this season except the one time he committed three. And that's while averaging a career-high 12.3 points and 7.2 dimes in 29.2 minutes per game.

Meanwhile, Washington has another still-young Duke basketball product in its starting big, sixth-year pro and former No. 2 overall draft pick Marvin Bagley III. He's averaging an encouraging 13.6 points and 8.7 rebounds across his 13 outings since joining the Wizards via their January trade with the Detroit Pistons.

On Tuesday night, Bagley and Jones combined for 34 points, 19 assists, 15 rebounds, three steals, two blocks, and only two turnovers and seven missed field goal attempts in Washington's 123-112 home loss to the Warriors.

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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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