Julian

Champagnie

Champagnie’s impact can be seen by splitting Wednesday’s contest into two halves. In the first half, he sank five threes, including one to beat the buzzer before halftime, to tally 15 points and nearly a team-best plus-9 rating. But after halftime, he went 0-of-5 from the field, produced one point, and was tied for a team-worst minus-17 rating. A more consistent game may have prevented San Antonio from completely squandering a 14-point lead. Yet, Champagnie continues to shoot the three well of late, and will have another opportunity to produce from beyond the arc on Friday in Game 2.

Champagnie came through with his second 20-point game of the Western Conference Finals, helping the Spurs clinch their first NBA Finals trip in 12 years. Shooting 6-of-10 from beyond the arc, the Spurs’ forward knocked down key shots at key times, including one triple that extended San Antonio’s lead to 11 with 5:33 remaining in the fourth quarter. Champagnie and the Spurs will host the Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday.

While the Spurs lost on Tuesday, Champagnie found his shooting rhythm and was somewhat of a bright spot. The fourth-year forward broke out of a major shooting slump from beyond the arc, where he’d shot 6-of-31 entering Game 5. The hot shooting allowed him to put forth his best offensive game of the series — the Spurs will need more of the same on Thursday from Champagnie to help keep the season alive.

After shooting a combined 4-of-19 from beyond the arc in Games 3 through 5, Champagnie found his shot in Friday’s series clincher. The Spurs’ wing knocked down four of nine attempts in the 139-109 victory and finished a blocked shot shy of a complete stat line. Given the test that awaits in the conference finals, the Spurs will need a consistent Champagnie if they’re to knock off the Thunder. Game 1 is on Monday in Oklahoma City.

Champagnie shot a respectable 3-of-7 from beyond the arc, but his attempt that would have won the game missed the mark as time expired. On a night when Victor Wembanyama shot 5-of-17 from the field and De’Aaron Fox (10/3/6) shot 5-of-14 and committed six turnovers, Champagnie gave the Spurs welcome contributions on both ends of the floor. Also, his two offensive rebounds helped spark the late rally that fell two points short. The Spurs host Game 2 on Wednesday night.

Champagnie got off to a hot start, scoring 14 points in the first half alone. He didn’t contribute much after the break, but he was still able to have a strong night, which was enough to help the Spurs secure the win and advance to the second round. This was Champagnie’s first double-digit outing of the postseason, which was a nice boost, though he likely won’t continue to produce to this level consistently.

Champagnie’s six three-pointers were the most in a game for him since February 26, when he hit that many in a win over the Nets. The Spurs’ wing also provided value in the rebound category, closing Week 23 with a solid performance. For managers whose leagues have one more week, the Spurs play four games, and they still have a slim chance of catching Oklahoma City for the 1-seed in the West. That should ensure Champagnie of playing starters’ minutes at the beginning of Week 24.

With no Victor Wembanyama (ankle), the Spurs needed a group effort on the glass to take care of the Clippers. And they got it, with Vassell and Julian Champagnie (13/8/4/2 with one three-pointer) leading the way. Vassell’s double-double was his first of the season, and he also shot 3-of-8 from beyond the arc. Due to the strength of the Spurs’ rotation, Vassell boasts a lower fantasy ceiling than in seasons past. Still, his perimeter shooting ability makes him a valuable option in most leagues.

After a one-game absence, Vassell was back in the Spurs’ starting lineup on Thursday. His return coincided with Stephon Castle’s absence, as the reigning Rookie of the Year was out with a hip injury. Vassell may not have capitalized to the level fantasy managers hoped, but he shot 50 percent from the field on the night. Julian Champagnie (14 points, two rebounds, two assists, two blocks and four three-pointers) also reached double figures for the Spurs, who clinched a playoff spot with Thursday’s win.

Thursday’s game will be the fourth that Black has missed due to a sprained ankle. Justin Champagnie started Tuesday’s loss to the Pistons, playing 29 minutes. He’ll have added value in Thursday’s rematch.