Patty Mills Shines for Australia at the Olympics

Australian guard Patty Mills may not have had the spotlight on him with the Miami Heat last season, but he’s definitely showing his skills on the international stage at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Mills played a pivotal role in leading Australia to a solid 92-80 victory over Spain on Saturday. He ended the game with 19 points, two assists, and two steals, shooting 6 for 12 from the field.

Mills wasn’t alone in his success, as Chicago Bulls’ Josh Giddey and Houston Rockets’ Jock Landale also stepped up, combining for an impressive 37 points. Their strong performance is gaining attention and showing that they can compete at high levels.

The humor didn’t stop there! Fans have been making playful comparisons of Mills to Golden State Warriors’ Steph Curry, with a photo circulating that has Mills in his Heat jersey labeled “NBA Patty Mills” next to Curry dubbed “International Patty Mills.” It shows how much Mills elevates his game while representing his country.

Currently, Mills is an unrestricted free agent, but the buzz around his Olympic performances could catch the eye of the Miami Heat for a potential veteran minimum contract. His recent play might just create a stronger market for him amongst other championship-seeking teams.

Meanwhile, Heat’s Bam Adebayo contributed in the USA’s 110-84 win against Serbia in the earlier rounds. Coming off the bench, he scored four points, grabbed two rebounds, and dished out two assists in 19 minutes of play. His main impact came on defense when he took over for Joel Embiid, who wasn’t having a great game.

Adebayo had the tough task of defending former MVP Nikola Jokic, continuing their rivalry since the 2022 NBA Finals. In the end, Jokic still managed to score 20 points, along with eight assists and five rebounds while Adebayo tried to limit his effectiveness.

Adding to the interesting dynamics of the game, Adebayo scored on one of his two baskets with a jumper over Heat’s Nikola Jovic. He showcased his versatility, playing both power forward and center alongside Anthony Davis, who likewise switched positions throughout the game.

This exciting play from Mills and Adebayo is generating buzz around the Miami Heat as fans eagerly await the next season.