2023 California Classic Summer League

California Classic Summer League: Spurs spoil No. 2 pick Miller's summer debut

Julian Champagnie drops 30 points against No. 2 overall pick Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets.

Julian Champagnie scores 30 Points against the Charlotte Hornets.

A pair of standout performances from second-year forwards Julian Champagnie and Dominick Barlow sullied Brandon Miller’s professional debut and helped propel the San Antonio Spurs to a comfortable 98-77 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in the California Classic Summer League on Monday evening at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento.

The Spurs (1-0) led from buzzer to buzzer and essentially set the tone for the lopsided win during a first quarter they emerged from with a 32-11 advantage. San Antonio’s lead was up to 28 by halftime, and although the Hornets (0-1) turned in a much more competitive second-half effort, that only resulted in a slightly less glaring margin of defeat. The Spurs were especially dominant down low, winning the battle of boards, 62-36.

Champagnie led the way for San Antonio with 28 points, adding eight rebounds, two assists and four steals. Barlow generated a 26-point, 11-rebound double-double that he complemented with one assist, two blocks and one steal. Blake Wesley furnished 19 points, eight assists, six rebounds and three steals. Sidy Cissoko and Javante McCoy netted 17 and 15 points, respectively.

Miller paced the Hornets with 18 points, supplementing them with five rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. Nick Smith Jr. and James Bouknight posted matching 12-point tallies, with Smith adding three rebounds and three assists. Bryce McGowens delivered 11 points, five boards, two assists and one block.

The two teams return to action Wednesday night, with the Spurs tangling with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Hornets taking on the Golden State Warriors.

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