Duke basketball guard Andre Dawkins announced last week that he will return for the 2013-14 season. After Dawkins spent this season redshirting, we’re counting down his top-five performances as a Blue Devil.
No. 1: Dawkins big night at Madison Square Garden helps give Coach K 903
The date: Nov. 15, 2011
The game: Duke 74, Michigan State 69
Dawkins’ statline: 26 points on 8-of-15 shooting, 6-of-10 3-pointers, four steals and zero turnovers
The breakdown: People hardly remember Dawkins’ game-high 26 points against Michigan State under the bright lights at Madison Square Garden. People remember instead what it gave Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski: his record-breaking 903rd win, passing his former mentor Bob Knight. Following then-No. 6 Duke’s win against Michigan State, Knight and Krzyzewski embraced, but that moment wouldn't have happened if Dawkins didn't go off.
Dawkins was Duke’s most reliable offensive weapon in the first half, as the team went a period of 5:36 with just two field goals, both by the junior. Four of his six 3-pointers came in the first half.
Then with 18:03 left in the second half, Dawkins hit a 3-pointer to put the Blue Devils up by three. They never relinquished that lead as the trey sparked a 22-5 run.
And when Michigan State tried to make a run late, Dawkins helped ensure Duke wouldn't give it up with two free throws in the final minute.
The quote: “Dawkins played his tail off,” Michigan State head coach Tom Izzo said. “He was a difference maker with hitting some tough threes.”
Previous Dawkins performances:
No. 5: Dawkins scores 16 off the bench against Miami
No. 4: Dawkins hits two threes to help send Duke to the Final Four
No. 3: Dawkins drops career-high 28 points against Bradley
No. 2: Dawkins' 3-point shooting fuels revenge over Florida State
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