Michigan State played a complete game on both sides of the ball Tuesday night against the Blue Devils. Luckily for us, we can relive that win with the film.
Tom Izzo, King of Aura
Before we break down the tape, let’s take a look at Izzo’s swagger.
We’re used to seeing his red face and intense coaching, but he took a moment to lean against the scorer’s table. I mean, it doesn’t get more chill than this:
Second, is the 71-year-old an OG sneakerhead? He coached in the Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack “Green Spark.”
Jordan Scott, Defensive Performance of a Lifetime
Let’s take
a moment to appreciate the defensive masterclass Jordan Scott put on Tuesday night. His first two blocks came on back-to-back possessions. He was incredibly disciplined before his third block, and his on-ball defense might be even more impressive than the swat.
His fourth and fifth blocks came from the weak side. Since when does a wing provide that kind of rim protection? His sixth block is obviously everyone’s favorite, as it was the defensive dagger to end any hopes of a late Duke comeback.
Credit to Marvin Hall of Spartans Illustrated for capturing this magnificent picture:
How hilarious is it that the Duke mascot is holding up three fingers on the baseline?
Jeremy Fears Jr., Future National Player of the Year
Fears posted a near triple-double with 18 points, seven rebounds, and 11 assists. Both teams are forced to play at his pace when he’s on the court, and Duke didn’t have the speed to stick with him.
After ripping the ball from Wisconsin-transfer John Blackwell, Fears put the burners on to go coast-to-coast and finish an and-one layup. It gave the Spartans their biggest lead of the night, and also the loudest pop from the United Center.
This is a national player of the year kind of play:
Jasiah Jervis and CJ Medlock
Let me know if I’m wrong, but I’m not sure Michigan State has had this type of on-ball shot creation from a guard since Cassius Winston.
Both Jervis and Medlock had their own incredibly impressive off-the-dribble threes.
Jervis hit two stepback jumpers, including a nasty behind-the-back move to create a ton of space to shoot over Cayden Boozer. That last clip will be a staple on Jervis’ freshman-year highlight reel.
Medlock added his own impressive move with a slick pull-back dribble before drilling his first three from the top of the key. Izzo giving the green light to these two guys is one of the best coaching decisions he has ever made.
Let them cook.
Go Green!
