By Matt Audilet0ShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The San Antonio Spurs defeated the reigning NBA-champion Oklahoma City Thunder with a 111-103 final score in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals.
While Western Conference Finals MVP honors deservedly went to Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama, several San Antonio players stepped up in a big way on Saturday night.
Julian Champagnie put forth a masterful performance in the closeout victory, recording 20 points on 6-for-10 shooting from behind the 3-point arc in a hostile road-game environment.
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Champagnie began his NBA career as an undrafted free-agent, two-way player for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2022. In February of 2023, the 76ers waived Champagnie in order to clear space for Mac McClung to represent Philadelphia at the Slam Dunk Contest.
Champagnie reflected on that low moment after Saturday night's Game 7 victory.
"I thought it was over. I ain't gonna lie to you. Getting waived with no warning, no nothing, explanation or anything. It was tough," Champagnie said.
"I love my teammates, love the coaching staff — everybody at the [Spurs] organization. It's a great place to be," he added. "Big, big shout out to the San Antonio Spurs taking an opportunity to a kid from Brooklyn."
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Champagnie was born in New York and played his collegiate basketball at St. John's. Now, he and the Spurs will match up against the Knicks in the NBA Finals.
"That's every kid's dream," Champagnie said of playing playoff basketball at Madison Square Garden.
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Game 1 of the NBA Finals will tipoff on June 3 at San Antonio's Frost Bank Center.
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