Head coach Gregg Popovich of the San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs faced a tough test on Monday night, falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107 in a game that revealed both the team’s growing pains and the bright spots among their new additions. As the Spurs aim to cultivate a more physical style of play, they encountered challenges but found some silver linings amid the loss.
Leading the charge for the Spurs was Julian Champagnie, who delivered a standout performance with 22 points, going 4-of-10 from beyond the arc. Champagnie was the only Spur to truly find his shooting rhythm, showcasing his ability as a knockdown shooter. His confidence was evident, especially after he missed three consecutive shots but chose to keep firing. “Just go in there and shoot, that’s my job,” he stated. “Confidence-wise, I have to be confident; if I’m going to be one of the team’s shooters, you gotta shoot through makes, misses.”
As Devin Vassell continues to recover from injury, the Spurs are on the lookout for a starting shooting guard, and Champagnie’s strong performance could position him favorably for that role. Last season, he displayed a shooting percentage of 36.5% from three-point range, making him a reliable option for the Spurs as they navigate the early part of the season.
Despite the loss, the Spurs’ newcomers also showed potential. Stephon Castle, Harrison Barnes, Riley Minix, and Malachi Flynn provided glimpses of their talent, indicating that the future may be brighter than the current scorelines suggest. However, Malaki Branham, who is also in the mix for a starting position, struggled, going 0-for-4 from three-point territory and logging just ten minutes of play.
The Spurs’ game plan did not center around a high volume of three-point attempts, but Champagnie emphasized the importance of taking open shots. “Just shoot when you’re open,” he said, highlighting the team’s focus on floor spacing and shot selection.
While the Spurs look to establish a stronger physical presence on the court, they can take heart in the performance of players like Champagnie. As they continue to develop their roster, the combination of experienced veterans and promising newcomers will be crucial in finding their identity and pushing for success in the upcoming games.
With their sights set on improvement, the Spurs are eager to bounce back and solidify their roster as they prepare for their next challenge.
