Whoever said a Hollywood ending was impossible in real life has clearly never watched sports.
On Saturday night, Duke (-4.5) dismantled Arkansas, 78-69, to move on to the Final Four. It was never all that close. The Blue Devils shot over 54 percent of the field, got into the lane with quality shots at will, and utterly humbled an overmatched Arkansas squad.
As such, Mike Krzyzewski’s magic carpet ride of a final season with Duke continues — in the Final Four, dear readers. I’m getting goosebumps just reading this back to myself for emphasis. Are we sure someone isn’t writing a script?
In the post-game celebration, Duke players were elated for not only their accomplishment but their legendary steward.
Or in the words of Paolo Banchero, the “GOAT”?
DUKE HAS PUNCHED THEIR TICKET TO THE FINAL FOUR!
Coach K is not done yet. pic.twitter.com/NK9kM8q9sJ
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 27, 2022
Paolo Banchero: "This the GOAT right here."
Coach K: "No. No. No. Shut up."
😂 😂 😂 pic.twitter.com/Y1j8kuS9bR
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) March 27, 2022
You know someone’s a coach at heart when they’re downplaying their success during a celebration.
So, I’ll outline that success for him. Krzyzewski’s excellence with Duke is unprecedented. With this last-season Final Four berth, he’s managed to do what once seemed unimaginable:
He’s surpassed the great John Wooden.
With this win, Mike Krzyzewski has now reached the Final Four 13 times in his head coaching career. That passes the great John Wooden for the most all-time.
In each of Duke's last 2 trips to the Final Four, they went on to win the National Championship. pic.twitter.com/k6xcITQxoX
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 27, 2022
Who knows what happens next for Duke and Krzyzewski this March. The ride isn’t over. It might even have a stop in April.
For now, Krzyzewski and his players can bask in the glow of another incredible run. They’ve certainly earned that right.
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