The secret Game 7 weapon that could rescue the Spurs' season

It all comes down to this: Game 7 between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals. The Spurs face an uphill battle to win Game 7 on the road against the defending champions but have gotten this far with one of their best players struggling.

Julian Champagnie has shown more signs of life of late, playing well in Game 5 and Game 6, but he has struggled mightily over the course of the series. In fact, Champagnie is connecting on just 26.6% from three over the first six games of the series.

He has always been a streaky shooter but is shooting nearly 10% below his regular season 3-point percentage. That suggests that he may soon have an improvement to the mean.

The Spurs need Julian Champagnie to roar to life in Game 7

Although his 3-point shot hasn't fallen consistently enough to be a big offensive factor in the series, he has found other ways to contribute. He has been more aggressive attacking the basket off the dribble.

That has helped to offset some of his poor 3-point shooting and distance himself from the Danny Green comparisons. He has also been useful on the glass and is far from a liability on defense.

Still, the majority of his impact lies in his 3-point shooting. San Antonio has shot reasonably well against OKC, with Devin Vassell's hot shooting helping to cover for Champagnie.

But if Champagnie can break out in Game 7, he can tip the scales in the Silver and Black's favor.

Champagnie's Game 7 start will be an early bellwether for Spurs

Road playoff games are often when stars prove what they are made of, less so for role players. Even so, Champagnie had a big Game 5 in OKC and can do it again in Game 7.

If he starts the game hot like he did in Game 5, then it would be a great sign that he is able to provide an offensive boost. If he can give the Spurs around 15 points, then a strong game from Victor Wembanyama and a solid game from two of De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, and Dylan Harper could result in a huge win on the road.

Game 5 provided the perfect template for the Spurs to knock off the Thunder in Game 7. A strong game from Champagnie, limiting turnovers, and having Wembanyama be more aggressive offensively will be crucial to San Antonio toppling the Thunder.

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