The NBA Finals have turned into a clash of narratives. On one side, the New York Knicks are on the brink of capturing their first championship since 1973, a milestone that has eluded the franchise for over five decades. On the other, the San Antonio Spurs, anchored by the towering presence of Victor Wembanyama, refuse to be counted out, keeping the series far from settled.
Analyst Bryan Armetta has been dissecting each possession, and his latest piece zeroes in on two players whose statistical footprints are modest but whose fantasy upside could be significant. While the Knicks have been praised for their defensive adjustments, they continue to concede a high volume of three‑point attempts, a trend that could open doors for opportunistic shooters.
Spurs’ Quiet Threat
Julian Champagnie, often overlooked in the broader conversation, has emerged as a potential x‑factor for San Antonio. Over the first four games of the series he is averaging 10.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.3 steals, while shooting at least seven three‑point attempts in three of those contests. His ability to stretch the floor could be the catalyst the Spurs need to swing momentum.
The Knicks’ recent defensive lapses have been well documented. Opponents are averaging 13.5 three‑pointers per game against New York this season, a figure that places added pressure on the team’s perimeter defense. Champagnie’s willingness to fire from deep aligns perfectly with this vulnerability, making his shot volume a key metric for fantasy owners.
Bench Spark
Jose Alvarado has been the most consistent spark plug off the Knicks’ bench throughout the series. He logged 15 or more fantasy points in Games 1 and 4, showcasing a blend of scoring and defensive hustle that translates directly into fantasy scoring categories. Armetta notes that Alvarado’s price tag of $2,400 on DraftKings positions him as a high‑value asset, especially when compared to his recent production.
Beyond individual performances, the Spurs have struggled with ball security in the playoffs, turning the ball over at a rate that could be exploited by a disciplined New York squad. However, the combination of Champagnie’s three‑point threat and Alvarado’s reliable bench contributions creates a compelling narrative for fantasy lineups that seek both upside and stability.
For owners navigating the DraftKings platform, the data suggests a strategic pivot toward these under‑the‑radar players. Whether it’s Champagnie’s expanding shooting role or Alvarado’s consistent fantasy point output, the numbers indicate that both could deliver disproportionate returns relative to their cost.