Justin Champagnie Embraces Role as Winning Player with Wizards

The Washington Wizards opened a new chapter of basketball for the organization with a 12 point win over the Milwaukee Bucks in the regular season opener on Wednesday night, sparked behind a monster debut from Anthony Davis while Trae Young notched at least 20 points in the second consecutive game in a Wizards' uniform.

Yet maybe the unsung hero from the win was Justin Champagnie, who tallied eight rebounds before registering his eight points on 3-of-4 shooting, in nearly 21 minutes. Yet he also led the way with a game high plus-17, proving to be a spark in the Wizards' comeback efforts through the fourth quarter.

That includes three rebounds in nearly the first three minutes he was on the floor where Champagnie was a big part in the Wizards' efforts on the board, despite Milwaukee owning the differential in the category through the first three quarters. Yet it would be Champagne who was the catalyst in Washington retaking the lead in the fourth quarter. After opening the final quarter with a three pointer, his lone attempt from distance on the night, Champagnie's passing then dazzled after finding Deandre Ayton in the paint, making the pass from the top of the key for the dunk that kept the fans on their feet through a 7-0 run that forced Milwaukee to take a timeout. Two minutes later, Kyshawn George connected with Champagnie on a near-full court pass for a transition layup at the rim with Kyle Kuzma defending, instead drawing then converting the three point play.

For Champagnie, it marked another basketball game in his eyes, but it also exemplified the description that head coach Brian Keefe placed on him when describing the versatile forward as one who makes "winning plays" -- a trait that Champagnie prides himself on. For a player who eyes the chance to excel at the little things, Wednesday proved a reminder of exactly that.

After climbing above .500 for the first time since the 2022-23 season, Champagnie and the Wizards will now look to reach 2-0 for the first time since the same season, though the opponent may be more daunting this time around when they return to Capital One Arena to host the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. Champagnie credited Toronto's physicality with Kawhi Leonard and Scottie Barnes posing an early season challenge to the Wizards' improved defense, but there's also appreciation for the improved atmosphere, even if Davis sees ample room for growth.

"Probably the most packed I've seen the gym since I've been here and probably the most energy we've had since I've been here," Champagnie said. "It was definitely a plus."