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Julian Champagnie grew up in Brooklyn, New York, attending Bishop Loughlin before embarking on his collegiate career with the St. John’s Red Storm.
However, Champagnie’s NBA career ultimately led him to Texas — where he found a steady home as a key contributor for the San Antonio Spurs.
Now, the Spurs are primed for an NBA Finals matchup against the New York Knicks — Champagnie’s hometown team.
During his NBA Finals media availability on Tuesday, Champagnie said he’s fully prepared to embrace the villain role as he plays against his childhood team in the championship series.
“I have a lot of friends who are New York fans,” Champagnie said. “I would love to spoil their plans.”
More Basketball:Victor Wembanyama Opens Up About Emotional Reunion With Gregg Popovich
Champagnie’s play is a huge reason why the Spurs were able to secure their spot in the NBA Finals. In Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the reigning NBA-champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the 24-year-old guard recorded 20 points — connecting on six of his 10 attempts from behind the 3-point arc in the closeout game at OKC’s Paycom Center.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 30: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a three-point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
More Basketball:Devin Vassell Reveals Extra Motivation for Spurs Entering NBA Finals
Champagnie is looking forward to the opportunity to return home and play against the Knicks in the NBA Finals.
“I grew up there, so being able to go back to [Madison Square Garden] and compete for a championship, it’s the best feeling ever,” he said.
Game 1 will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET from San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center on Wednesday.
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However, Champagnie’s NBA career ultimately led him to Texas — where he found a steady home as a key contributor for the San Antonio Spurs.
Now, the Spurs are primed for an NBA Finals matchup against the New York Knicks — Champagnie’s hometown team.
During his NBA Finals media availability on Tuesday, Champagnie said he’s fully prepared to embrace the villain role as he plays against his childhood team in the championship series.
“I have a lot of friends who are New York fans,” Champagnie said. “I would love to spoil their plans.”
More Basketball:Victor Wembanyama Opens Up About Emotional Reunion With Gregg Popovich
Champagnie’s play is a huge reason why the Spurs were able to secure their spot in the NBA Finals. In Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals against the reigning NBA-champion Oklahoma City Thunder, the 24-year-old guard recorded 20 points — connecting on six of his 10 attempts from behind the 3-point arc in the closeout game at OKC’s Paycom Center.
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA – MAY 30: Julian Champagnie #30 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts to a three-point shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder during Game Seven of the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center on May 30, 2026 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
More Basketball:Devin Vassell Reveals Extra Motivation for Spurs Entering NBA Finals
Champagnie is looking forward to the opportunity to return home and play against the Knicks in the NBA Finals.
“I grew up there, so being able to go back to [Madison Square Garden] and compete for a championship, it’s the best feeling ever,” he said.
Game 1 will tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET from San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center on Wednesday.
Related Articles
- Stephen A. Smith Doesn't Want to Hear Any Excuses From Knicks' Mitchell Robinson
- Victor Wembanyama Opens Up About Emotional Reunion With Gregg Popovich
- NBA Announces Historic Viewership Stats for Spurs-Thunder Game 7
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