Julian Champagnie talks about personal success amid team struggles

The San Antonio Spurs“Recent shooting woes haven’t bothered Julian Champagne. After a night in which he knocked down 8-of-16 from three-point range, the third-year Spur has shot at least 40 percent from the field over the past seven games. The Spurs have lost three of those tilts, including one for the Houston Rockets.

“I really don’t care, honestly and truly,” Champagne said of his 27-point performance in the loss to Houston. “I don’t care if I’m 20, I don’t care if I’m ten. I mean, it just is what it is.”

The The Spurs have a 16-point lead over the second contender for the Western Conference in that setback in East Texas.

“I like to win,” Champagne continued. “I’d rather have zero and win by 20, to be honest with you. But that’s just basketball, it’s just boring. Losing is what bothers me the most, despite everything else. It’s just not doing our best. That’s what’s a blow to me.”

Julian Champagne talks about shooting amid Spurs’ struggles

As warm as the champagneThe Spurs were equal against the Rockets. They shot 39% from the floor and 28% from beyond the arc. Outside a recent three-game winning streaksuch types of shooting are common since the end of December. For example, San Antonio shot 35% from three-point range in a Jan. 13 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Given the struggles, Champagne was asked if the Spurs’ shot selection comes from what the defense provides or offensive aggression.

“I think it’s a bit of both. I don’t think anybody has taken a single shot today without a team or, ‘I’m doing what I want to do.’ Nobody did it with bad intentions.”

The The Spurs are without Devin Vassell the last few weeks. While stars Victor Wembanyama, De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle continue to pace the team, rookies Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant take on more during this stretch.

“I think it’s part of us growing up and becoming a better team because we have so much room to grow,” Champagne said. “You know we can get a shot at any time on the shot clock, whatever the shot is. We’ve got guys that can get shots at any time. Fox, Vic, Steph, Dev, everybody that plays. I think I’ve got to find a way to get the best shot for the team, which is a shot for everybody, even if I don’t shoot it, but I don’t shoot it, but I don’t shoot it. shot for everybody.”

The Spurs have a core that ranks among the youngest in the league. Wemby recently turned 22. Cassel is 21. Harper is 19. In other words, Keldon Johnson, the longest-tenured Spurs, is 26. They did though others in the West; something Champagnie understands and looks forward to.

“I think we have to continue to understand and build on what that looks like.”