Aussies in NBA: Patty continues with more late game heroics

Yet another great performance from Patty Mills has helped lead San Antonio to a tight win. This time it was against Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics.

Mills poured in 19 points while shooting an impressive 75% from the field. He again came up big late in the game, meaning the Spurs secured a 109-103 victory (boxscore).

Tony Parker got the start over Mills, however, could only manage 7 points, and 4 assists. The Aussie managed to play one more minute than the French veteran.

The Celtics came out firing, leading by 10 points at quarter time. At the main break, the Spurs managed to reduce the deficit to just 2 points. Heading into the change rooms Mills only had 6 of his 19 points.

But like his last outing, Mills went to another gear in the second half. He capped off a tight 3rd quarter with arguably his best play of the game. With 5.1 seconds left Patty was inbounded the ball. He then managed to dribble down, pull up with a foot inside the centre Celtics logo, and drain a triple over 7-footer Tyler Zeller.

https://twitter.com/spurs/status/802237502920589313

Late in final quarter, Mills sealed the win for the Spurs with a dagger three. The Celtics had a clear miscommunication on defence, which allowed the Aussie to be wide open in the corner. After receiving the pass from LaMarcus Aldridge he made no mistake.

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/802245865956065280

Mills is having one of his best seasons to date. He averages 11.1 points and 3.4 assists per game. He has already started more games this season than he has in any other season. His free throw percentage is at an impressive 96.3%, while from downtown he shoots 40.8%. His full statistics can be viewed here.

If Mills can complete the season and playoffs playing at this level, it will not only be the best he has ever played but also one of the better years an Australian has played in the NBA.

Full Highlights

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO2-qu2Y5X8