The Game -- From Champagne Frenzy to Court in 5 Hours (VIDEO)

The Game was dropping tens of thousands of dollars on champagne at 3 AM Monday, and appearing as a defendant in court 5 hours later ... and the judge could never tell.

Game pled not guilty to felony criminal threat and misdemeanor assault, hours after dropping more than $40k on alcohol at Playhouse in Hollywood.

The champagne-fueled event was a BET after-party Game and Chris Brown hosted.

As we reported, Game is being charged for cracking Onyebuchi Awaji -- an off-duty cop -- with a sucker punch during a March pick-up basketball game. He claims it was self-defense.

Game's due back in court on July 30 ... we'll be checking for parties the night before.