“That’s Not the Problem’: Jon Scheyer’s Post-Game Comments After Texas Tech Loss Ignite Major Disagreement Across Duke Fanbase”
Duke basketball heads into Christmas week facing unfamiliar territory after suffering its first loss of the 2025–26 season in dramatic fashion. The No. 3 Blue Devils (11–1) squandered a 17-point second-half lead and fell 82–81 to No. 19 Texas Tech at Madison Square Garden, a collapse that stunned fans and immediately sparked intense debate about the team’s direction under head coach Jon Scheyer.
The loss marked several notable milestones. It was Texas Tech’s first victory over a top-five opponent since January 2022, and for Duke, it was the first time the program had blown a 17-point lead since a 2007 loss to Florida State. What made the defeat even more jarring was how firmly Duke appeared to be in control for much of the night, dictating tempo, defending well, and executing offensively before unraveling late.
In the aftermath, Scheyer addressed what he believed went wrong — or more specifically, what didn’t. “That’s not the problem,” Scheyer said when asked about execution and late-game play-calling, instead pointing to breakdowns in defensive focus, rebounding, and overall toughness during the final stretch. According to the Duke coach, the Blue Devils stopped playing with the physical edge and attention to detail that had defined their unbeaten start.
Those comments, however, did not sit well with a portion of Duke’s fanbase. Many supporters took to social media questioning whether Scheyer was deflecting responsibility from late-game coaching decisions, particularly in a one-point loss where a single possession could have changed the outcome. Some fans argued that lineup choices, timeouts, and offensive sets in the closing minutes deserved more scrutiny.
Others defended Scheyer’s stance, noting that blowing a large lead is rarely about one play or one decision. They pointed out missed defensive rotations, second-chance points allowed, and turnovers that fueled Texas Tech’s comeback. To them, Scheyer’s message reflected a long-term approach focused on habits and accountability rather than public self-criticism.
Inside the locker room, the loss served as a sobering reminder of how thin the margin for error is against elite competition. Duke had navigated the early season with confidence and composure, but the collapse exposed vulnerabilities that will need addressing as conference play looms.
As the Blue Devils regroup during Christmas week, the defeat may ultimately prove valuable — a test of resilience for a talented roster with championship aspirations. Whether fans agree with Scheyer’s assessment or not, one thing is clear: Duke’s response to this setback will shape how the rest of the season unfolds.
