Mills a winner, Aussie duo out

AUSTRALIA’S Patty Mills has enjoyed the pleasure of an NBA playoff series win while Matthew Dellavedova and Thon Maker felt the pain of defeat.

Mills’ battle-hardened San Antonio Spurs came from behind to eliminate the rugged Memphis Grizzlies 103-96 yesterday and take their firstround series 4-2.

“I am seriously thrilled we were able to get through that first round,” Spurs’ coach Gregg Popovich said. “That’s the good news. “The bad news is we have to play Houston.”

Australians Dellavedova and Maker and their young, talented Milwaukee Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs on their home floor by the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks almost pulled off a stunning comeback, but the Raptors survived to score a 92-89 victory to clinch the series 4-2.

The Raptors will play the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.