TRIESTE (Italy) - Dreams became reality for La Laguna Tenerife fans on Tuesday, as Patty Mills got his first run with the club after signing a contract in March.
The 37-year-old Australian shooting guard came off the bench against Pallacanestro Trieste and had an immediate impact in his first stint, connecting five points in typical Mills fashion - a righty midrange pullup, followed by a catch and shoot triple.
On both of those plays, he was found by none other than Marcelinho Huertas, back-to-back BCL MVP of the Season. With the two of them clicking together, Tenerife opened up a nine-point lead in the second quarter.
However, Jahmi'us Ramsey and Trieste spoiled the day by taking an 82-76 win. It did not change the standings, Mills and Tenerife still remain group winners, and will have the home court advantage in the Quarter-Finals.
They will find out who their opponents are at the draw on Friday.
As for Mills, he finished the game 9 points in 16 minutes, while also stealing the ball twice. Promising start for the 2014 NBA champion ahead of the most important part of the season.