With 17.2 seconds remaining in the Final Four clash between Duke and Houston, the Blue Devils found themselves in a tight spot, trailing by a single point. In a critical moment, they turned to Cooper Flagg, who had previously been the standout player. However, his shot attempt fell short, and Houston seized the opportunity to take the game, topping Duke 70-67.

Flagg’s missed shot led to a heated debate regarding his ability to execute under pressure. Despite the setback, his teammates supported the decision to give him the final look, emphasizing that he had been instrumental throughout the game, scoring 27 points, the highest among both teams. “Coop had the hot hand,” said Duke player Kon Knueppel. “Just won Player of the Year, got to give him the ball. He’s a great player.”

Duke’s strategy to rely on Flagg was validated by impressive statistics from previous clutch situations. In the closing minutes of tight games, he showcased his scoring prowess, cementing his reputation as a reliable performer when it mattered most. This season, his shooting was 52.6% from the pivotal area where he took the shot, highlighting his capability in high-stakes scenarios.

In retrospect, while the outcome felt unfortunate, Flagg’s performance throughout the season illustrates that clutch moments aren’t always about the final result, but often about the decisions that prepare players for success.