San Antonio Spurs forward Julian Champagnie reflected on the intensity of the NBA Finals atmosphere and the team’s mindset shift after Game 3 ahead of Wednesday’s Game 4 against the New York Knicks.
Champagnie described his reaction to the environment at Madison Square Garden, saying, “it was pretty cool… just running out there, seeing all the celebrities, the fans, how loud it was, the music, it was definitely a surreal feeling that I’ll carry for life.” He added that the Spurs still prioritized results, stating, “obviously we had a game to win and that was the most important thing, especially being down 0-2.”
He also addressed the hostile reaction toward teammate Victor Wembanyama from the crowd, saying, “he got booed. He got f–bombed… I don’t feel like there’s anything really to that. Obviously Vic is a great player and that’s what people are just gonna do to him.”
When asked about safety concerns involving fan behavior around the series, Champagnie emphasized separation between competition and conduct. “I don’t really feel no threat. I’m from here, so I feel like a lot of this stuff is kind of just like what it is,” he said. He also added, “I think that obviously we’re here to play a basketball game. That’s the main thing.”
Champagnie was direct in addressing incidents involving fans outside the arena, stating, “it should ever be that serious where you have to, you know, jump people, beat people up, follow people home, and stuff like that. It’s just a basketball game at the end of the day.”
On maintaining focus amid playoff pressure and external noise, Champagnie pointed to team chemistry and familiarity. “I don’t find it to be harder,” he said. “I think we know what it’s like to do and be in certain environments now. So I don’t really think it’s too hard.”
He also highlighted the Spurs’ experience in managing loud road environments throughout the season, noting, “we’ve played in a bunch of arenas up until this point that have been loud. Even our own.”
Discussing Game 3’s physical tone, Champagnie acknowledged the Knicks’ identity. “The Knicks play super physical. That’s a part of their identity,” he said. “We obviously have to do a good job of matching that and doing more of that.”
Defensively, he credited the Spurs’ adjustments in late-clock situations, explaining, “we get them in late clock… I feel like last night… we couldn’t really have too much of that because that’s where they’re going to capitalize.”
Looking ahead to Game 4, Champagnie stressed execution and physical response as key factors. “Being down 0-2, these being the possessions that we need to win the games,” he said, reinforcing the Spurs’ focus on controlling critical stretches.
Game 4 is set for Wednesday as San Antonio attempts to level the series following its 115-111 win in Game 3.
