SportsSportsThe San Antonio Spurs are riding high after an instant classic in Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals, and forward Julian Champagnie is set to be right back in the thick of it. After a grueling double-overtime battle that saw the Spurs snatch home-court advantage, Champagnie has been confirmed to start Game 2 against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the Paycom Center.
Game 1, played on Monday, May 18, 2026, delivered a playoff spectacle. The defending champion Thunder hosted the Spurs in a contest that stretched beyond regulation, marking only the sixth Game 1 in NBA playoff history to require double overtime. San Antonio ultimately prevailed with a 122-115 victory, a hard-fought win that saw them nearly squander a 10-point fourth-quarter lead before digging deep to secure the upset.
Champagnie, a 6'7" small forward, played a significant role in that Game 1 triumph. He contributed 11 points, pulled down nine rebounds, and added two crucial blocks, showcasing his versatility on both ends of the floor. His return to the starting lineup for Game 2 underscores his importance to the Spurs' strategy as they face an eager Thunder squad looking to even the series.
Born on June 29, 2001, in Staten Island, New York, Champagnie's journey to the NBA's biggest stage wasn't a straight path. He honed his skills at St. John's University, where he earned multiple all-conference honors in the Big East. Despite a strong collegiate career, he went undrafted in the 2022 NBA draft. His professional career began with a two-way contract with the Philadelphia 76ers, but after being waived, he found a new home with the San Antonio Spurs in February 2023.
Since joining the Spurs, Champagnie has developed into a valuable asset, recognized for his scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc, and his defensive adaptability. In the 2024-25 NBA season, he played in all 82 games for San Antonio, averaging 9.9 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He continued to elevate his game in the 2025-26 regular season, posting averages of 11.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
One of Champagnie's standout moments came on December 31, 2025, when he exploded for a career-high 36 points against the New York Knicks in a thrilling 134-132 victory. That night, he drained 11 three-pointers, setting a new Spurs franchise record for most threes made in a single game. Despite battling a back injury in January 2026 and a sore left knee in March 2026, Champagnie demonstrated resilience by playing through the latter, a toughness that earned praise from Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson.
The Spurs' lineup in this high-stakes series has seen significant adjustments. Starting point guard De'Aaron Fox has been sidelined for both Game 1 and Game 2 due to a right high ankle sprain sustained in the previous playoff series. Stepping up in his absence, rookie Dylan Harper delivered a historic breakout performance in Game 1, tallying 24 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and seven steals. This remarkable achievement made Harper only the second rookie since the 1973-74 season to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a playoff game, a feat previously accomplished by NBA legend Magic Johnson. Harper's stellar play was recognized just prior to Game 2, when he was named to the NBA's All-Rookie First-Team.
Other key contributors for the Spurs in Game 1 included star Victor Wembanyama, who dominated with a monumental 41 points and 24 rebounds, marking a career-high in the playoffs. This performance also made him the youngest player in league history to achieve a 40-20 game in the postseason. Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each added 13 points, while Stephon Castle chipped in with 17 points. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who received his second consecutive Most Valuable Player trophy before Game 1, finished with 24 points and 12 assists, despite struggling with his shooting at 7 for 23 from the field. Alex Caruso provided a major spark off the bench with 31 points, and Jalen Williams, returning from a six-game absence due to a hamstring strain, scored 26 points. Thunder center Chet Holmgren notably blocked Wembanyama's attempt at a game-winning shot at the end of regulation.
The Western Conference Finals pits the league's top two seeds against each other, both having clinched at least 60 wins during the regular season. This marks the first time since the 2018 playoffs that the top two seeds have met in the conference finals, adding another layer of intensity to the matchup. Under head coach Mitch Johnson, who took the helm after Gregg Popovich stepped down on May 2, 2025, the San Antonio Spurs have experienced a remarkable resurgence. The 2025-26 season saw them clinch their first playoff berth since 2018-19 and their first division title since 2016-17. They began the regular season with a franchise-best 5-0 record and maintained an undefeated streak throughout February 2026. San Antonio also held a 4-1 advantage over the Thunder in their regular season matchups, setting the stage for this highly anticipated series.
Following the exhaustive Game 1, Spurs coach Mitch Johnson emphasized the critical need for rest, stating, "We won't ask them to do anything other than sit in a couple chairs and watch film. So their recovery will be from the minute that the clock hit zero after double overtime until 7:30 (Wednesday)." Julian Champagnie echoed this sentiment regarding his post-Game 1 recovery plans, remarking, "That's all I got today." Despite the extensive minutes, Victor Wembanyama expressed a readiness to continue, saying, "Yes, it takes a toll. (But) we can rest in July." He also acknowledged the long road ahead, stating, "Winning one game means something. But it doesn't mean everything." On the Thunder side, Luguentz Dort expressed confidence despite the loss, noting, "It's a long series. We're not going to be perfect. We've been in this situation before and we were able to turn the page... just go out there and try to win the game." The Thunder have a history of bouncing back, having dropped Game 1 in two series during their previous season's championship run.
Champagnie's consistent performance and his confirmed role in the starting lineup are particularly noteworthy given ongoing discussions about his future with the Spurs. Reports indicate he is "criminally underpaid" at $3 million this season and next, making him a potential target for other franchises or a candidate for selection in a rumored upcoming league event. His continued strong play in the playoffs only enhances his value and could significantly impact his next contract.
As the series progresses, Champagnie's ability to provide scoring, defense, and crucial three-point shooting will be vital for the Spurs. With Game 2 fast approaching, both teams are gearing up for another intense battle, and Champagnie's presence will be key in determining if San Antonio can maintain its early series momentum against the formidable Thunder.