5 iconic Patty Mills performances for Australia revisited after Boomer legend's retirement
Patty Mills is well regarded as one of the most prominent Australian basketball players. The 95-90 overtime loss against Serbia in the quarterfinals of the Olympics on Tuesday was Mills' last outing with the national team.
Since the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the former Spurs guard has been a pivotal piece for his national team. Providing leadership and efficient shotmaking, Mills left everything on the court each time he stepped on it. It wasn't the type of finish he envisioned for his career with the Boomers, but he still managed to leave off a performance that was expected from him.
"Through the happy tears and the sad tears, it's been an incredible journey," Mills said via The Washington Post's Ben Golliver.
In celebration of his retirement from the Boomers squad, here is a look at his top five performances for Australia
Patty Mills' top 5 performances for Australia
#5. Dropped 30 points against Team USA in the 2016 Olympics
Going up against Team USA presents a matchup nightmare for most international teams. Their combination of elite talent in all positions and premier shotmaking has established their position as the standard in basketball. However, Patty Mills didn't back down in the 2016 Olympics as he scored 30 points (50.0% shooting, including 45.5% from three-point range).
The efficient perimeter shooting mirrored his production in the NBA as he maneuvered through different defensive coverages designed to slow him down.
#4. 30-point outing against Spain in the 2016 Olympics
In the 2016 Olympics, Patty Mills showed up again in Australia's final game in the competition. Despite a disappointing 89-88 loss to Spain, Mills still dropped another 30-piece. He shot 11-of-23, including 3-of-9 from beyond the arc and added three steals to his performance.
#3. 26 points in his final game for Team Australia
Australian national team's Instagram accounts like to refer to Mills as "FIBA Patty." Mills showcased today why he deserves that mantle with a game-high 26-point performance against Serbia. He shot 52% from the field, including 40% from three-point range.
#2. 39-point performance in 106-75 victory against Great Britain in 2012 Olympics
During the 2012 London Olympics, Patty Mills put on a show against Great Britain when he poured on 39 points (63.6% shooting, including 71.4% from beyond the arc) and racked up five rebounds. It was a sensational showing from the veteran guard as he knocked down five 3s.
#1. 42 points in a 107-93 win against Slovenia in the 2020 Olympics
Patty Mills scored a career-high 42 points in the 2020 Olympics. In a 107-93 victory against Slovenia, his 15-of-31 shooting, including 4-of-15 from three-point range, led all scorers to a hard-fought victory against the Luka Doncic's Slovenia.