After a slow start to the season, Patty Mills is starting to warm up and that can only be a good thing for the San Antonio Spurs.
After a slow start to the season, Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs has started to get back into shooting form. This return to form could not have happened at a better time for the Spurs. Mills did not start for the month of October; that honor went to Dejounte Murray.
However, on the back of a three-game losing streak, Mills took over the starting point guard duties in November. The Spurs would lose another one, this time against the Golden State Warriors. From there, Mills would help lead the Spurs on a three-game win streak.
Mills scored 17 points against both the Charlotte Hornets and the Phoenix Suns in back-to-back games. Against the Los Angeles Clippers, Mills only scored two points. However, he also had six assists and gives a burst of energy to the offense, which is required from any point guard.
It is pretty clear Mills had regained his mojo from the start of the Charlotte game. He was everywhere, including making moves like the spin move from 3 against Kemba Walker.
The difference
Since being moved into the starting lineup, Mills has improved his averages from when he was in the second unit. In the first seven games, Mills averaged 6.1 points, 2.6 assists, 1.1 rebounds and 0.6 steals in 22.5 minutes per game.
Since moving to the starting unit, Mills has averaged 10 points, 4.3 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 0.8 steals in 28 minutes per game. These improved numbers are more than just the increased playing time. Mills is showing why having a veteran running a team is beneficial in the NBA.
Mills has a better understanding of when to shoot or when to pass. These decisions can make all the difference between winning and losing. With Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard missing the start of the season, these wins may be crucial for seeding in the playoffs.
Moving forward
With the way Mills is playing with the starting lineup, there is a chance he may continue starting when Parker comes back. Currently, his return is slated for late November. Parker has unquestionably been the starting point guard since he came to the Spurs.
There have only been 13 games where Parker has not started in his entire career. However, as Parker is 35 years old and coming back from major surgery, there is a chance Gregg Popovich is looking for his next point guard. Dejounte Murray looks like he has the goods, but needs more seasoning.
If Mills can lock down the starting point guard spot for a couple of years, the San Antonio Spurs can transition without the usual speed bump associated with change. When Mills comes off the bench, it is usually with Manu Ginobili and they provide a massive spark and 3-point shooting.
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However, when Mills starts, his shooting spaces the floor for LaMarcus Aldridge, allowing him to go to work. Aldridge has put the Spurs on his back this season. However, no one player can keep a team afloat in the NBA. Getting the help of Mills and others will allow the Spurs to keep winning without their stars until they return.