Julian Champagnie Shines with Record Threes, Spurs Stun Knicks in Fourth-Quarter Surge
The New York Knicks’ promising three-game winning streak came to a jarring halt on New Year’s Eve, as they fell to the San Antonio Spurs in a nail-biting 134-132 loss. What began as a display of dominance quickly turned into a nightmare for New York, as they crumbled in the final quarter, allowing the Spurs to outscore them 41-30. Despite Jalen Brunson’s impressive 29 points and a heroic last-second three-pointer, the Knicks faced a devastating collapse in what was anticipated to be a significant rematch following the NBA Cup final.
Dominance Turns to Despair
The Knicks appeared to be on track for a comfortable victory through the first three quarters. With balanced scoring from key players like Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Jordan Clarkson—each contributing 20 or more points—the Knicks built a substantial lead. However, the game took a dramatic turn thanks to Julian Champagnie, who lit up the court with a franchise-record 11 three-pointers, totaling a career-high 36 points. Twelve of those came during a critical fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to shift the game’s momentum.
Champagnie’s Historic Night and Knicks’ Defensive Breakdown
Champagnie’s record-setting performance was nothing short of astonishing. His shooting stats read 11-for-17 from beyond the arc, including an explosive fourth quarter where he connected on 4-of-5 attempts. The Knicks’ defense faltered at critical moments, allowing Champagnie too much space on the perimeter. Adjustments were sorely lacking as he repeatedly found clean looks, signaling a breakdown in both communication and focus among New York’s defenders.
When a role player like Champagnie gets into a rhythm against your defense, it highlights significant flaws that need addressing. The Knicks’ switching defense, meant to disrupt opposing offenses, instead created confusion, leaving Champagnie free to fire away.
Offensive Stagnation in Crunch Time
Despite Brunson’s impressive showing, the Knicks’ offense faltered when it mattered most. After scoring 45 points in the first quarter, New York managed only 30 in the final frame. The flow of their offense became stagnant and predictable, forcing Brunson into tough isolation plays. Towns and Clarkson, who combined for 40 points, failed to step up during crunch time, leaving the Knicks without the necessary scoring when they desperately needed it.
The vibrant ball movement that characterized New York’s early success disappeared, as San Antonio tightened its defense and forced the Knicks into contested shots. Meanwhile, the Spurs capitalized on transition opportunities, demonstrating the gap between a team that executes under pressure and one that crumbles.
Mental Toughness Questions Arise
The Knicks’ inability to maintain their double-digit lead raises serious questions about their mental toughness. A pivotal 16-2 run by the Spurs in the third quarter not only tied the game at 86 but also shifted the momentum decisively. New York’s failure to regain control showcased a troubling trend of losing focus when ahead.
Even after Victor Wembanyama exited late in the game with a knee injury, the Knicks couldn’t seize the moment. This loss serves as a stark reminder that leads are meaningless without the ability to finish strong. To avoid being haunted by such collapses in the playoffs, the Knicks will need to cultivate a killer instinct to close out games effectively.
As the season progresses, the Knicks must address these glaring issues to ensure their aspirations remain alive.
