Champions Classic Thriller: Veteran Kentucky Takes Down Duke’s Talented Freshmen
A Deep Dive into the Key Players and Moments That Defined This Game
The 2024 Champions Classic matchup between Duke and Kentucky delivered an exciting early-season clash, pitting an experienced Kentucky team against a young but talented Duke squad. Unlike in past years, where both teams leaned heavily on freshmen, this showdown highlighted Kentucky’s veteran edge and Duke’s promising young core—a combination that brought the game down to the wire.
Below, I dive into the individual performances that shaped the night, with a mix of ups and downs for both sides.
Duke
Cooper Flagg
Flagg, the projected number one pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, faced his first major test of the college season in Duke's Champions Classic matchup against a veteran-laden Kentucky squad. Flagg delivered a stat-stuffing performance, finishing with a game-high 26 points, 12 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.