NC State Advances to Final Four After Upsetting Duke, DJ Burns Pokes Fun at Jared McCain on Social Media
ICARO Media Group
NC State's dynamic performance propelled them to the Final Four after a stunning upset against the No. 4-seeded Duke Blue Devils. The game not only showcased the remarkable skills of Wolfpack big man DJ Burns but also sparked some playful banter on social media.
Following the victory, Burns took to Instagram and shared a video on his Story featuring teammate DJ Horne sinking a remarkable 3-pointer, outsmarting Duke's star player Jared McCain with a pump fake. In a lighthearted edit, Burns added McCain's signature dancing moves to the clip. McCain, who is known for his dancing videos on TikTok, has been subject to online ridicule for his unique style and painted fingernails.
Ironically, despite being the target of Burns' playful taunt, McCain had an impressive performance on the court. The 6-foot-3 guard scored a staggering 32 points along with six rebounds. McCain's contributions accounted for half of Duke's total points, making him the driving force behind the team's chance to win. In contrast, Burns led the Wolfpack to victory with a stellar performance, scoring 29 points on 13-for-19 shooting, while also contributing four rebounds, three assists, and two blocks.
The outstanding performances of both players caught the attention of two-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic. After posting a dominant performance of his own with the Denver Nuggets, Jokic commended Burns, praising his skills, particularly his left-handed prowess. Jokic also highlighted Burns' positive team dynamics, emphasizing the importance of being a good teammate.
NC State's remarkable run in the NCAA Tournament will continue on Saturday as they face their toughest challenge yet against the top-seeded Purdue Boilermakers, led by Zach Edey. Edey played a pivotal role in Purdue's first Final Four appearance since 1980, scoring a career-high 40 points in their victory against Tennessee. In response, Tennessee's Dalton Knecht finished with an impressive 37 points.
The Wolfpack's journey to the Final Four has been nothing short of extraordinary. Following a four-game losing streak at the end of the regular season, NC State bounced back and claimed victory in the ACC Tournament. They continued their winning streak in March Madness, defeating formidable opponents such as Duke, North Carolina, Texas Tech, Oakland, and Marquette along the way.
As NC State gears up to take on the Purdue Boilermakers in the first matchup of the Final Four in Phoenix, basketball fans eagerly anticipate witnessing the clash of these talented teams. With Burns leading the charge for the Wolfpack and Edey showcasing his scoring prowess for Purdue, the stage is set for an exhilarating showdown between two basketball powerhouses.