Despite loss to Australia, Popovich 'happy' for Patty Mills
SAN ANTONIO — Australia shocked the basketball world as they toppled Team USA in exhibition play, 98-94 in Australia.
Leading the way for the Boomers in their upset win was Spurs guard Patty Mills as he scored 30 points to pace Australia in the win.
And that performance left Team USA and Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich thrilled for Mills albeit leaving him a bit strange about it.
"In a strange sort of way, I’m happy for him," Popovich said to reporters following the exhibition game. "He’s a wonderful human being, much better human being off the court than on the court. I mean that sincerely. "
Mills' fourth-period performance was inspiring.
He scored 10 of his 30 points in the final frame to snap Team USA's 78-game winning streak in international competition.
Mills did it all in the win.
He had three assists, one rebound and shot 45 percent from the field and 40-percent from the three-point line in 33 minutes as he led the Boomers from a 10-point deficit against the Americans.
Said Popovich: "He’s just a beautiful guy. Cares about people, he loves people. And so, when someone like that has success, you got to feel good about it."