San Antonio Spurs: A look at Patty Mills in past Playoffs

Now as the longest tenured member of the San Antonio Spurs, point guard Patty Mills is responsible for some memorable moments in the playoffs.

It’s been almost 5 years since the San Antonio Spurs earned their fifth Larry O’Brien Championship trophy. Edging out the eastern conference champion Miami Heat, the Spurs assembled a roster with the ability to beat a team full of tough competitors.

The roster for the Spurs included the usual fan-media favorites: Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and new favorite Kawhi Leonard. Another notable name included in that roster is Patrick “Patty” Mills.

Mills signed with the Spurs as a free agent in March of 2012. Integrating his talents with a winning culture like San Antonio showed just how exceptional this international player is. Being able to blend in coming off the bench and knock down shots over competitors that towered over him at just 6-foot-1, Mills merged right into the culture.

Patty Mills’ talents are most valuable for the secondary unit. Serving as an anchor in place of the starters, Mills limits turnovers, disrupts the opponent’s transition, operates the pick-and-roll, sets up his mates for big alley oops and assists on three-point plays. Mills has a notable presence during the playoffs, his energy level is always astronomically high.

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Just two years ago in the 2017 playoffs, the Australian native played one of his best postseason games. At the AT&T Center, Spurs were tied with the Memphis Grizzlies two games a piece. Patty had an explosive game!

He penciled in double digits in just one quarter and put Grizzlies shooting guard Troy Daniels‘ ankles on a milk carton before hitting the net for a three-piece. Our Spurs’ Matey showed up in the recorded game for 20 points!

Taking a glance back even further, when the Spurs claimed the NBA throne in 2014, Patty set out to be the clutch player they needed, nailing 17 points next to his name when the Spurs beat the Heat.

The Great No. 8 poured in 14 in just 1 quarter including a buzzer-beater with under 4 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Mills didn’t just bring his A-game, he brought his contagious energy to put the icing on the cake for the finals. Spurs fans erupted in a standing ovation!

These moments in time are just pieces of the Patty Cake that is currently listed on San Antonio’s roster. He is a contender, a shot-caller, shot-maker, and even a decoy at times to help out the Spurs. Patty has delivered for the Spurs before, now it is time he delivers again.