The Duke Blue Devils walked into the CBS Sports Thanksgiving Classic already carrying the weight of high expectations, an undefeated record, and the nation’s No. 4 ranking. But in the opening minutes of their 80–71 victory over No. 22 Arkansas, it looked as though their explosive offense had missed the trip. Duke scored just seven points in the first seven minutes, falling behind 12–7 with almost all early production coming from sophomore center Patrick Ngongba II. The Blue Devils were stagnant, uneasy, and searching desperately for rhythm.
But great teams respond—and elite players rise. And on Thursday night, Cameron Boozer rose higher than anyone.
After settling into the game, Duke rattled off a composed 7–0 run to pull within three by the under-12 timeout. The shift in energy was palpable, both on the floor and from the Duke bench. The Blue Devils found their footing, their pace, and their identity. And as the first half unfolded, the night began transforming into the Cameron Boozer Showcase.
The reigning ACC Rookie of the Week, who had been scoreless through the first ten minutes, suddenly erupted. Boozer’s combination of footwork, power, and finesse left Arkansas scrambling to find answers that simply didn’t exist. He poured in 15 points before the break, grabbing five rebounds and adding two assists and a steal as Duke surged to a 41–35 halftime lead.
But the Razorbacks, battle-tested and fearless, punched right back out of the locker room. Arkansas opened the second half on a blistering 22–11 run, reclaiming the lead and seizing momentum. Duke looked rattled, struggling to get stops and generate clean looks on offense. For a moment, it felt like the tide was turning.
And once again, Cameron Boozer said no.
The sensational freshman—already a national headline, already carrying the legacy of his father Carlos Boozer, and sharing the spotlight with his twin brother and Duke guard, Cayden Boozer—took command of the game. Every time Duke needed a bucket, a stop, a spark, he delivered. He attacked the rim with force. He powered through contact. He read double-teams like a veteran. He stabilized the entire team with the maturity of a seasoned star.
By the under-8 timeout, Boozer had accounted for 25 of Duke’s 60 points, pulling the Blue Devils back within two at 62–60. With each possession, the crowd grew louder, the confidence surged, and Boozer’s legend expanded.
Then came a defining moment: with just under nine minutes to play, Patrick Ngongba II grabbed an offensive rebound and muscled in a putback to give Duke a 66–64 lead. That basket, subtle yet pivotal, represented a changing of momentum Duke would not relinquish again.
From there, the Blue Devils played with purpose and poise. Boozer attacked relentlessly, keeping Arkansas’ defense off balance. Caleb Foster, Duke’s junior point guard and veteran anchor, delivered steady leadership. Foster drained a crucial three-pointer that silenced an Arkansas push—a shot that felt like a dagger through the Razorbacks’ final surge.
Foster finished with 14 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and a steal in 32 composed minutes, proving once again why he is trusted with the keys to Duke’s offense.
But the night belonged to Cameron Boozer.
The freshman phenom closed the game with 35 points—matching the career high he set earlier this month in a win over Indiana State—along with nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals across a team-best 36 minutes. His dominance was undeniable. His confidence was infectious. His presence changed the entire complexion of the matchup.
Every time Arkansas threatened, Boozer responded. Every time Duke looked unsteady, Boozer steadied them. Every time the moment demanded greatness, Boozer delivered.
With his performance, the Blue Devils improved to 8–0, securing their best start since 2017—a testament not only to talent, but to resilience, chemistry, and the emergence of a transcendent young star.
Cameron Boozer didn’t just guide Duke to a win.
He made a statement.
A statement that the Blue Devils aren’t just good—they’re dangerous.
A statement that he isn’t just a promising freshman—he’s a program-changing force.
A statement that Duke basketball, fueled by youthful brilliance and veteran stability, is once again primed for greatness.
As the Blue Devils continue their climb toward conference play and national contention, one thing is crystal clear:
When Cameron Boozer takes the floor, Duke has a chance to beat anyone in the country.
And on a Thanksgiving night filled with grit, fire, and unforgettable moments, the newest star in Durham gave the college basketball world something to be thankful for: the unmistakable rise of a superstar.
