Across the globe, late-December often represents a time in which temperatures approach year-low levels; for Justin Champagnie — finding hard work and opportunity coalescing at the right time — it became the perfect moment for a breakout-like heat check. Almost incapable of misfiring during December 28, 2024’s duel against the New York Knicks, Champagnie puts his off-ball expertise on exhibit, forgoing a wide-open cut to the rim in favor of backwards drift towards the 3-point corner. Finding no reason to grow hesitant during the final three minutes of a one-score game, Champagnie buries a spot-on triple, extending the Washington Wizards’ late-game lead to six. New York’s urgency, and a 55-point performance from their All-Star ultimately won out, but Washington’s two-way talent left behind a superb showing nevertheless. Brilliant in nearly every facet, Champagnie pieced together a career-best 31 points (on an eye-opening 13-of-15 shooting), along with 10 rebounds, two steals, and five 3-pointers in 45 minutes. · Dec 29, 2024