It wasn’t exactly the outcome Mike Krzyzewski wanted on Saturday night.
In Coach K’s last home game at Duke’s Cameron Indoor Stadium, the pomp and circumstance came out in full force. Hated North Carolina was the opponent, and everyone would, by game’s end, profess how incredible of a coach Krzyzewski was as he started to wrap up an illustrious career. There was only one problem: No one told the Tar Heels they were supposed to roll over.
Instead, an unranked North Carolina handed Coach K one of his worst-ever home losses in his finale in front of the people who care most about his coaching.
North Carolina played spoiler in Mike Krzyzewski's last home game as Duke head coach, winning 94-81.
The 13-point margin of defeat is Duke's 3rd-largest loss to an unranked opponent under Coach K. pic.twitter.com/Ztd1muWTnZ
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 6, 2022
What a cruel irony not lost on the 75-year-old Krzyzewski.
So much so that during his post-game remarks — where the coaching legend was supposed to offer some words of wisdom and thanks — he felt the need to interrupt his moment.
Yes, Krzyzewski let his inner coach out and apologized for Duke’s poor effort.
Mike Krzyzewski takes a moment out of his ceremony to apologize for the game and tell the fans it was unacceptable pic.twitter.com/Qkkra3hzoV
— CJ Fogler AKA Perc70 #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) March 6, 2022
After waving off someone who was undoubtedly telling him it was okay, Krzyzewski called the performance “unacceptable” twice in succession.
Coach K composed himself before completely venting his coaching rage out in front of almost 20,000 pairs of eyes. He finished, “Today was unacceptable, but this season has been very acceptable.”
We agree, Mike. Let’s keep the disappointment for our players private, out of respect for them, and keep the focus on you, for all of your accomplishments. We’re glad Krzyzewski understood.
