The latest edition of the Duke-UNC rivalry began Wednesday night with an injury to arguably the best player on the floor in Blue Devils' F Zion Williamson.
Luckily, it wasn't anything too serious in the end.
Duke basketball announced the Knicks potential draft target was diagnosed with a Grade 1 knee strain, and is considered day-to-day at the moment.
The injury was a weird one to say the least. After getting an offensive rebound on the first play of the game, Duke reset at the top of the key with Williamson dribbling the ball. But, as he took a step, Williamson's left shoe literally exploded and he slipped to the hardwood.
Williamson walked off limping on that left leg as he went to the locker room. After tests, it was determined Williamson suffered a "mild knee sprain," head coach Mike Kryzewski told AP's Tim Reynolds last night.
Zion's shoe EXPLODED (via @corkgaines)pic.twitter.com/vjJexg3g1j
- SNY (@SNYtv) February 21, 2019
It doesn't appear Wiliamson will be out for the Blue Devils for a long period of time, and that is huge for this Duke team that is a favorite to win the National Championship this season. For the Knicks, it is also a sigh of relief as worries about a serious injury heading into the Draft isn't there.
Williamson, who many believe will be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's NBA Draft, is averaging 22.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.9 blocks per game.