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By Matt Audilet
Contributing Sports Writer
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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.
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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."
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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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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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