Aussies in NBA: Mills stars against Lakers again
There are few things assured in life, but death, taxes and Patty Mills playing well against the Lakers are the locks.
In the Spurs 119-113 win over the Lakers, Mills had 15 points (6-of-13 FGs, 3-of-7 3pt) 7 assists and 1 steal in 26 minutes.
Mills was at his zippy best in the game, darting up and down the court which had the Lakers players tripping over themselves trying to keep up.
PATTY PATTY THRILLS Y'ALL! pic.twitter.com/pqccP3t16c
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) February 20, 2016
He played a key role down the stretch when the Lakers made their run, firstly dishing out 3 consecutive assists in a patch which saw the score go from 101-97 to 107-99 with 3 minutes to play.
After taking a brief breather on the bench, he returned to hit a dagger 3 which all but ended the game, making it a three possession game with only a minute remaining.
Patty Mills dagger 3 puts Spurs up 114-107 with 1:03 left
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) February 20, 2016
The Lakers have been Mills' happiest hunting ground this season, scoring in double figures all 4 games while averaging 16.3 points, 4 assists in 22 minutes and shooting 53% FGs and 48% 3pt.
When asked after the game why he has so much success against the Lakers he told Fox Sports Southwest “I don’t know mate, maybe Kobe’s last rounds I so got to make an impression on him” he said with a laugh.
Unfortunately for Mills this is the last time the Spurs face the Lakers this season, however the way he has raised his game of late that shouldn't matter.
Since Manu Ginobili went down with injury at the start of the month Mills has been playing the best all-round basketball of his career.
He has not only raised his scoring but his playmaking, recording 7 assists for the second time in 3 games, which is his second highest total of the season and third highest total of his career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSFQmR0-UNs&feature=youtu.be