The Spurs game in Denver did not go as expected. The Silver & Black blew a lead late in the fourth and lost their way in overtime.
Some silver lining to the gray cloud was Julian Champagnie’s six three-pointers. He ended the afternoon with eighteen points on 6 of 9 shooting beyond the arc.
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None were bigger than this one hit in overtime:
His grand total of 192 threes in a single season bested Danny Green’s 191 from the 2104-2015 season, elevating Champagnie to the franchise leader.
With four home games remaining, Champagnie has the opportunity to crack 200 hits from downtown in one season. Following Keldon Johnson’s recent milestone — becoming the first played in Spurs history to hit 1,000 points coming off the bench — the Spurs as a whole look keyed up to head into the postseason strong.
In addition to his offense prowess, Champagnie’s rebounding is a strength of his defensive contributions. He’s double his rebounding from two seasons ago while only increasing his minutes by 50%.
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Champagnie is a key component of the Spurs success this season. Head coach Mitch Johnson has entrusted the undrafted sharpshooter as a member of the starting line-up.
Originally designed around Victor Wembanyama, Harrison Barnes, Devin Vassell, Stephon Curry, and De’Aaron Fox, Champagnie earned the role as go-to starter as early season injuries sidelined Fox and then Castle. As New Year’s Eve approached, he started in place of Devin Vassell who was suffering a left adductor strain. And later, when Harrison Barnes’ left ankle caused him to miss his first games since December of 2021, Champagnie established himself in the starting line-up going forward.
Champagnie originally came to San Antonio in 2023 on a two-way contract, two days after being waived by the Philadelphia 76ers on Valentine’s Day. That summer, he signed a friendly four-year/$12M contract. He’s got one more season before he is offered what is sure to be a big payday.
Hopefully the Spurs can put a ring on it and lock him down for a long, prosperous career in San Antonio.
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