S.A. finding ways to survive tough times

‘Almost irreplaceable’ Mills credited with helping team shake off blowouts

Taking a charge against any powerfully built NBA player, let alone the human locomotive that is LeBron James, is never easy.

But there was Patty Mills, all 6 feet, 180 pounds of him, standing his ground against the 6-8, 250pound forward with 7:53 left in the Spurs’ 133-120 win over the Lakers on Friday.

“I’ve taken charges on him before, and it’s just like you close your eyes and it’s like, oh,” Mills said. “You put your body on the line for the better of the team.”

James, of course, flattened Mills. After regaining his feet, the 10th-year pro was mobbed by his admiring teammates, including rookie Chimezie Metu, who celebrated by using Mills’ stomach as a punching bag.

“It was all one big hit,” Mills joked.

It was also a reminder of Mills’ willingness to go to any length to make sure the Spurs’ team-first culture continues in post-Big

Kin Man Hui / Staff photographer Patty Mills congratulates Jakob Poeltl after Friday’s win over the Lakers.