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Duke Suffers More Devastating Injury News After Losing Cooper Flagg

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Mar 13, 2025 2:09 PM ET

The Duke Blue Devils men's basketball team suffered a tough blow in the first half against Georgia Tech on Thursday.

With Duke trailing, star freshman Cooper Flagg suffered a scary-looking ankle injury and left the game. Flagg was later spotted in a wheelchair before eventually returning to the bench, although he didn't play the entire second half.

Duke ended up defeating Georgia Tech, 78-70, in the ACC Tournament.

However, Duke got more bad news on the injury front. Maliq Brown left the game before the injury to Flagg, and it turns out he left the arena on a stretcher, per Chris Lea of WRAL.

"Maliq Brown was just stretchered out of the arena," Lea wrote. "My assumption it’s for medical testing that can’t be done in the arena. He was alert. I dont think it’s a concern past the actual injury."

The official Duke basketball account ruled Brown out for the game during halftime.

Injury updates:

Maliq Brown (left shoulder) - out

Cooper Flagg (left ankle) - doubtful to return
— Duke Men’s Basketball (@DukeMBB) March 13, 2025

Brown missed nine games recently due to a shoulder injury that he suffered on Feb. 17 against Virginia.

Ultimately, he was able to return for the regular-season finale against North Carolina.

Another video showed Brown leaving in what looked to be considerable pain with somebody holding his shoulder.

La lesión de Maliq Brown parece bastante seria ya que ya estaba tocado de ese hombro y se perdió 9 partidos en febrero los Blue Devils uno de los más claros favoritos al March Madness en problemas. pic.twitter.com/EggLwvtA8R
— NCAA PLAY&REWIND (@ncaaplayrewind) March 13, 2025

Brown is in his first year with Duke after playing the past two seasons at Syracuse. This season, the junior is averaging just 2.7 points with 4.1 rebounds while playing just over 17 minutes per game.

Still, he has been a consistent part of the rotation when he has been available, so this could be another tough blow for Duke going forward.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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