With the NBA Playoffs in full swing and the MLB season entering its grind, several former Duke Blue Devils are at the center of major league drama—both shining and stumbling on the national stage.
Jayson Tatum
Boston’s star forward came into the playoffs with something to prove—and delivered. After a rocky Game 1 against Orlando and sitting out Game 2, Tatum erupted in Game 3, putting up 36 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, plus a steal and a block. He finished the series averaging 31.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game—ranking third among all playoff scorers and second among remaining players.
Next up for Tatum and the Celtics: a showdown with Jalen Brunson and the red-hot Knicks, fresh off a dramatic series win over Detroit. It’s the first postseason clash between the two teams since 2013.
Griffin Conine
The Marlins outfielder had a promising start, batting .281 through 64 at-bats and posting 0.3 WAR—until a shoulder injury shut him down. Initially placed on the 60-day injured list, Conine will now miss the rest of the season after undergoing surgery.
Marcus Stroman
Stroman’s start with the Yankees has been rough. After three starts totaling just 9.1 innings and 12 earned runs, the right-hander landed on the IL with knee inflammation. As fan frustration grows and a June 1 opt-out clause looms, his future in pinstripes looks uncertain.
JJ Redick
Redick’s first playoff run as an NBA head coach ended in disappointment. Despite leading the Lakers to a third-place finish in the West, his squad was bounced in five games by Minnesota. L.A.’s defense—praised all season—collapsed in the series, and their fourth-quarter scoring hit a historic playoff low at just 16.7%.
Still, Redick’s debut season wasn’t without promise. With the expected return of Luka Doncic and LeBron James, the foundation is in place for a stronger playoff push next year.
