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DJ Burns Leads NC State to Historic Victory Over Duke
Following his exceptional performance in guiding North Carolina State to an impressive victory over Duke, DJ Burns not only secured a spot for his school in the Final Four for the first time in forty years but also garnered commendation from two-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Burns showcased his prowess by scoring a season-high 29 points, contributing significantly to the Wolfpack’s triumph over the fourth-ranked Duke team. This stellar display on the court caught the attention of one of basketball’s premier big men, Jokic, who lauded Burns for his remarkable skills and left-handed finesse. Speaking to reporters after his own dominating performance against the Cavaliers, Jokic expressed admiration for Burns’ abilities and affable demeanor, noting that teammates seem to enjoy playing alongside him.
Jokic’s High Praise
“He’s amazing,” Jokic remarked. “I think he’s so skilled, especially lefty…seems like teammates like to play with him. Gotta be a good guy.”
Having excelled in the center position, Jokic’s endorsement speaks volumes about Burns’ talent and potential in the sport. Jokic’s own impressive stat line of 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists in a recent game underscores the significance of his praise for Burns.
Burns’ instrumental role in propelling NC State to its first Final Four appearance since its 1983 national title victory highlighted his impact both individually and collectively with the team. Recognized as the standout player in the South Region, Burns attributed his outstanding performance to his love for the game and the team’s unity throughout their successful tournament run.
“I’ll say like I’ve been saying the whole tournament when I stop having fun with basketball, I’ll stop playing,” expressed Burns. “There’s just been a total switch in our commitment. Nobody’s being late to things. Nobody’s being a problem on the court. Everybody’s come together.”
Anticipated Showdown
Looking ahead, March Madness enthusiasts can anticipate an exhilarating matchup between NC State and Purdue in the upcoming NCAA tournament. The impending clash promises an intense battle in the paint as Canadian standout Zach Edey faces off against Burns, setting the stage for an enthralling confrontation between two formidable big men.
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