The tough love dished out to Boomers point guard Patty Mills by hard-marking San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich has helped the previously "overweight" star take his game to a new level this season.
Mills was famously encouraged to lay off the Vegemite by Popovich after returning to training camp two years ago heavier than the coach was expecting, but now he has been entrusted to run the offence while the team's starters enjoy a rest on the bench.
Mills wasn't always so sure things would work out this well in San Antonio, who he joined after a successful stint with the Portland Trailblazers.
"Five years ago I was probably contemplating if this (being at the Spurs) was the right move for me," Mills told AAP.
"It was tough but I stuck with it and the place has a great team environment and I feel lucky and that I've been rewarded."
Mills credits the hard coaching of Popovich for taking his game to a higher level.
"Pop deserves a lot of credit for helping me to become a better player," Mills said.
"A lot is said (about him) but he has given me a chance to be a part of this program and it has been the best thing for me.
"How he is as a coach is the reason he has been so successful - the good, the bad, the ugly. There is a method to his madness."
That madness helped Popovich lead the Spurs to five championships since taking the head coach job in 1996.
Mills has a championship ring from 2014, and the 27-year-old guard wants to again bring the Larry O'Brien trophy back to Australia again.
The Spurs face a huge task to do so, having been humbled 112-101 by a younger, faster Warriors side at Oracle Arena this week.
"We have to be switched on and play an all-team defence against them," Mills said of Golden State.
"You look at (Warriors duo Steph) Curry and (Klay) Thompson and not one player can guard those guys."
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