YouTube Gold: Johnny Dawkins Delivers One of the Greatest Clutch Plays in Cameron Indoor History
When Duke basketball fans look back at the program’s long and storied history, there are countless moments that stand out—Christian Laettner’s legendary shot in 1992, J.J. Redick’s scoring explosions, Grant Hill’s dunks, and Zion Williamson’s electrifying dominance. But sometimes the plays that live forever in memory aren’t buzzer-beating shots or rim-rattling slams. Sometimes, they come on the defensive end of the floor, in moments where everything is on the line and one player refuses to let his team lose.
One such play came in the winter of 1986, in a game that may not have been remembered outside of Durham if not for a breathtaking sequence in the final seconds. The game was against Notre Dame at Cameron Indoor Stadium, and the player who made the difference was Johnny Dawkins, one of the greatest guards to ever wear Duke blue. His late-game block secured a one-point victory, kept Duke’s momentum alive in what would be a historic season, and instantly became one of the most clutch defensive plays in Cameron history.
The 1985–86 Season: A Historic Campaign
To understand the magnitude of Dawkins’ play, you have to set the stage. The 1985–86 Duke Blue Devils were one of the most dominant teams in program history. Coached by Mike Krzyzewski, then in his sixth season at Duke, the Blue Devils stormed through the year with a 37–3 overall record. They were led by Johnny Dawkins, Mark Alarie, Jay Bilas, and a freshman named Danny Ferry. The team was stacked with talent, discipline, and determination, ultimately making it all the way to the NCAA Tournament championship game before falling to Louisville.
That season was defined by Duke’s relentlessness, but not every game was a blowout. In fact, part of what made the team so memorable was its ability to grind out wins in tight contests. Lamar University, for example, kept it close before falling 66–62. St. John’s nearly pulled off a stunning upset, losing by just a single point, 61–60. And in February, Notre Dame came into Cameron Indoor and gave Duke everything it could handle.
Notre Dame Comes to Cameron
Notre Dame wasn’t a pushover that season. Led by head coach Digger Phelps and star guard David Rivers, the Fighting Irish entered Cameron with a 22–5 record and plenty of confidence. Rivers in particular was a handful. A gifted playmaker and scorer, he had already built a reputation as one of the toughest guards in college basketball. For added context, Rivers had played at St. Anthony’s High School under the legendary Bob Hurley Sr., which meant he was polished, disciplined, and accustomed to the highest level of competition.
Facing Rivers and Notre Dame was no easy task, even for Duke. The Irish battled Duke blow for blow throughout the game. Every time it looked as though the Blue Devils might create separation, Rivers and his teammates clawed back. With under a minute to play, it became clear that this contest would come down to one final possession.
The Final Seconds: Dawkins’ Moment
With just six seconds left in regulation, Duke held a narrow 75–74 lead. Notre Dame had possession and, as everyone in the building expected, the ball was put in David Rivers’ hands. He had been the most dynamic player on the floor for the Irish, and Phelps trusted him to deliver in the clutch.
Rivers caught the ball on the wing and went to work, guarded closely by Johnny Dawkins. Rivers attempted to spin free and create just enough space for a shot that could win the game. But Dawkins, known as much for his competitiveness as his scoring, never let him out of his sight. He anticipated the move, stayed balanced, and when Rivers went up to release the shot, Dawkins elevated perfectly.
Instead of fouling or being a half-second late, Dawkins timed it flawlessly, meeting Rivers at the peak of his shot and swatting the ball cleanly. The ball bounced free, where Mark Alarie scooped it up and immediately tossed it high into the air as time expired. Cameron Indoor erupted in chaos, the Blue Devils victorious in one of their tightest wins of the second.
Blocks are usually the domain of big men. Centers and forwards typically protect the rim, swatting away shots and intimidating opponents. Guards are more often tasked with preventing penetration and contesting jumpers. That’s what made Dawkins’ play so remarkable. At 6-foot-2, he wasn’t the biggest player on the floor, but he proved in that instant that heart, timing, and determination can make just as much of an impact as size.
In one play, Dawkins embodied what Coach K’s Duke teams would come to be known for—toughness, attention to detail, and the refusal to back down in the biggest moments. His block wasn’t just a highlight; it was a symbol of what made that 1985–86 team special.
Aftermath and Legacy
Notre Dame went on to finish the regular season with a strong record and earned a bid to the NCAA Tournament. However, their postseason ended in disappointment, as they were upset in the first round by Arkansas–Little Rock, 90–83. Meanwhile, Duke continued its dominant run, eventually making it to the NCAA championship game before falling to Louisville, 72–69.
For Dawkins, that season was a defining chapter in an incredible college career. He finished as a consensus All-American, averaged over 20 points per game, and left Duke as the school’s all-time leading scorer at the time. His play against Notre Dame was just one moment among many, but it remains one of the most memorable because of the stakes, the timing, and the sheer will it displayed.
A Play Worth Remembering
Nearly four decades later, Duke fans still look back at that game against Notre Dame and marvel at Dawkins’ clutch block. It may not be replayed as often as Laettner’s buzzer-beater or Grant Hill’s full-court pass, but among those who understand the finer details of basketball, it stands as a reminder that defense can win games just as dramatically as offense.
When you think of Cameron Indoor Stadium, you think of noise, passion, and history. And on that February night in 1986, Johnny Dawkins added another unforgettable chapter to the lore of one of college basketball’s most iconic venues.
