Blue Devil Country

Luke Kennard Tailing Fellow Duke Basketball Alum for NBA 3-Point Title

Duke basketball product Luke Kennard is within striking distance of a "three-peat" from three.
Matt Giles|
Photo credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

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Duke Blue Devils

Memphis Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard helped snap a nine-game losing streak by shooting 4-for-6 from downtown in Wednesday night's 121-113 victory over the visiting Houston Rockets. The former two-year Duke basketball sharpshooter finished with 19 points, two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 30 minutes as a starter.

Kennard has recorded the league's highest 3-point percentage in each of the past two seasons and is now knocking on the door of making it three straight. His 45.5 percent trails only the 48.2 percent that fellow NBA Blue Devil guard Grayson Allen has posted as a full-time starter in his first season with the Phoenix Suns.

There's another Duke pro among the NBA's 3-point leaders in Washington Wizards starting guard Tyus Jones, a former teammate to Allen in Durham for the 2015 national champions. He ranks No. 15 with his 42.6 percent. So, as things stand, Blue Devils account for the top two and 20 percent of the top 15.

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But back to Kennard. Between his past 10 outings, the 27-year-old Ohio native, drafted No. 12 overall in 2017, has heated up to the tune of a 37-for-70 (52.9 percent) clip beyond the arc.

Although his first full campaign with the Grizzlies has included roughly a six-week absence due to a bone bruise in his left knee, Luke Kennard is putting up respectable averages: 10.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists in only 24.7 minutes per game.

Kennard and the Grizzlies (19-36) next face the Milwaukee Bucks (35-20) in Memphis at 8:30 p.m. ET Thursday.

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

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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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