The San Antonio Spurs are rolling into the All-Star break with serious momentum-and that’s not something anyone would’ve predicted just a few weeks ago. After a rough January that saw the team struggling to find rhythm or results, San Antonio has flipped the script with six straight wins.
The difference? Health, smart rotation tweaks, and the emergence of a new starting five that’s quietly becoming one of the most effective in the league.
At the heart of that shift is Julian Champagnie, a name that might not jump off the page like Victor Wembanyama or Devin Vassell, but one that’s quickly becoming essential to the Spurs’ success. Champagnie initially stepped into the starting lineup during Vassell’s 13-game absence, but even with Vassell back, head coach Mitch Johnson has kept him in the first five-and for good reason.
Champagnie isn’t just holding his own; he’s outplaying veterans. Harrison Barnes, who had started 350 games before being moved to the bench, has seen his role reduced as Champagnie’s impact has grown.
The numbers back it up: Champagnie leads the team in plus/minus and has been on the floor for a trio of 130-point offensive outbursts in his last three starts. That’s not coincidence-that’s impact.
But the real eye-opener? The pairing of Champagnie and Wembanyama.
Among all Spurs duos that have logged at least 500 minutes together this season, they boast the highest net rating: a staggering +17.1. That’s not just good-it’s elite.
And it’s a huge part of why San Antonio’s recent surge feels sustainable.
So what makes this pairing work? It’s not necessarily about dazzling two-man game or seamless chemistry between the two.
Instead, it’s about the ecosystem they thrive in. When De’Aaron Fox missed the first eight games of the season, Champagnie started alongside a lineup that featured Stephon Castle, Vassell, Barnes, and Wemby.
That group had spacing, shooting, and a clear offensive identity built around the Wembanyama pick-and-roll.
Champagnie has consistently played with at least two shooters and either Wemby or Fox-or both. That kind of spacing and star power creates lanes and open looks, and Champagnie knows how to take advantage.
He’s not just a floor spacer standing in the corner, either. He’s aggressive with his shot, willing to drive when defenders close out too hard, and he crashes the glass with purpose.
He’s even drawing fouls at a surprising rate, something that’s quietly helped the Spurs’ offense become more efficient.
And when he gets hot? Watch out.
Champagnie has already had two explosive shooting nights this season-draining eight threes against the Houston Rockets and an eye-popping 11 triples against the New York Knicks. That kind of firepower, even if it’s not nightly, gives San Antonio a wildcard element that can swing games.
Defensively, playing next to a 7-foot-4 rim protector like Wembanyama is a luxury for anyone. But Champagnie isn’t just riding Wemby’s coattails.
He’s a reliable, switchable defender who can hold his own against both guards and wings. He’s also a strong defensive rebounder-an underrated skill on a team where the starting perimeter players have struggled to keep opponents off the offensive glass.
In short, while Wembanyama is the franchise cornerstone and the obvious focal point of everything San Antonio does, Champagnie has carved out a role that perfectly complements the Spurs’ young core. Their success together isn’t about flashy alley-oops or highlight-reel assists-it’s about fit, balance, and doing the little things right.
The Spurs have found something that works, and as they head into the All-Star break, the formula is clear: keep Champagnie and Wemby on the floor together, keep spacing the floor, and keep building on the momentum they’ve finally found. If they do, this second-half push could be more than just a hot streak-it could be the start of something real.