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Aussie guard Patty Mills has equalled his career high for points in the NBA playoffs as the his San Antonio Spurs took a pivotal lead over Houston in their series.
Mills, elevated to the starting five for the first time in 73 post-season games, scored 20 points thanks largely to five three-pointers, which was also his best effort in a playoff game.
The Spurs ultimately won 110-107 in overtime of game five, taking a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven series.
In addition to his scoring, which tied a mark from the first round of this year's playoffs, Mills made a host of vital defensive plays, including breaking up a late Rockets possession and forcing a jump ball with nine seconds left.
That prevented Houston from running a proper play that could have tied the game, and a last-second block by Spurs veteran Manu Ginobili sealed the deal.
Mills had banked in what would have been a game-winning three at the end of the fourth quarter, but he released the ball just after the siren sounded and the game went to overtime.
Shooting guard Danny Green was the star in the extra period, nailing two three-point daggers and a free throw for seven of the team's nine overtime points.
Mills was starting in place of regular Spurs playmaker Tony Parker, who injured his knee in game two of the series against the Rockets.
The Spurs were further diminished in game five when MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard rolled his ankle late in regulation and could not play for the rest of the night.
Topics: basketball, sport, united-states, australia
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