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The world goes nuts for Australian Patty Mills as he wins NBA Finals with San Antonio Spurs

BE PROUD, Australia. Our very own Patty Mills has dazzled in one of the greatest sporting events on the planet, helping the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA title.

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June 16, 2014 - 12:59PM
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 12: Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates against the Miami Heat during Game Four of the 2014 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 12, 2014 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==
MIAMI, FL - JUNE 12: Patty Mills #8 of the San Antonio Spurs celebrates against the Miami Heat during Game Four of the 2014 NBA Finals at American Airlines Arena on June 12, 2014 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP == FOR NEWSPAPERS, INTERNET, TELCOS & TELEVISION USE ONLY ==

BE PROUD, Australia.

Our very own Patty Mills has dazzled in one of the greatest sporting events on the planet, helping the San Antonio Spurs to the NBA title.

Mills, a 25-year-old from Canberra, was on fire, scoring 17 points, including five three-pointers.

His efforts helped lift the Spurs to a 104-87 win over LeBron James’ Miami Heat today, securing the series 4-1 — and Mills’ first championship ring.

And didn’t Twitter go nuts.

A year ago, Mills was best known as that bench player who waves towels. He was a little-used backup to star Tony Parker. You can read more on that here.

Now Mills is making headlines across the US for the right reasons, with a particular interest in his indigenous heritage.

Earlier in the playoffs, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich gathered the Spurs squad to recognise the importance of June 3 — Mabo Day — to help Mills celebrate the occasion.

Mills’ father Benny is a Torres Strait Islander and his mother Yvonne was a part of the Stolen Generation.

He is the first Australian of indigenous heritage to play in the NBA Finals.

MORE: Mills tears Miami apart

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“It was unbelievable,” Mills said of Popovich’s speech.

“I had no idea Pop was going to do it. I had no idea he even knew about [Mabo Day], but for him to bring that up in a meeting before the NBA Finals, just to give everyone a heads-up, was very special.”

Patty Mills reacts after sinking a three for the San Antonio Spurs.
Patty Mills reacts after sinking a three for the San Antonio Spurs.

Mills also had a slow start, hitting just one of his first four shots, but he was electrifying in the third quarter.

In a five minute stretch, Mills hit four three-pointers, blew past LeBron James for a reverse layup and drew an offensive foul from Ray Allen.

He scored 14 of his 17 points in the quarter.

Mills’ Aussie teammate Aron Baynes is also now an NBA champion.

Baynes had two points in his two minutes on the court.

Spurs stars Manu Ginobili (L), Tony Parker (#9), Patty Mills (#8) and Tim Duncan celebrate their NBA championship win.
Spurs stars Manu Ginobili (L), Tony Parker (#9), Patty Mills (#8) and Tim Duncan celebrate their NBA championship win.
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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/basketball/the-world-goes-nuts-for-australian-patty-mills-as-he-wins-nba-finals-with-san-antonio-spurs/news-story/c49b0611933b2e6f2d31d63b884d0f3c