http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13057698p-13903368c.html
Ailene Voisin: Bowen simply better
Bee Sports Columnist
Published 2:15 am PDT Monday, June 13, 2005
SAN ANTONIO - Bruce Bowen is here because of Kobe, because the Spurs needed someone to contain Kobe. But it's not just about Kobe anymore, nor solely about Bowen's defense anymore.
That three-pointer from the right corner.
That one-bounce pass to Manu Ginobili.
That baseline jumper.
That other three, the one from the left side off that penetrating setup by Ginobili, disrupting any thoughts of a Detroit Pistons comeback victory Sunday night at SBC Center. While still earning his living primarily by making others miserable - and Peja Stojakovic only half-jokingly has referred to Bowen as "my worst nightmare" - the veteran small forward has become a better all-around basketball player, an occasional scorer who blends perfectly with the Spurs, that splendid team that, inexplicably, struggles to shake its label as boring.
Other teams should be so boring. Other teams should be so successful. All together now, all they do is win. Tim Duncan continues to dominate with his rebounding, his low-post skills, his passing, his understated brilliance. Tony Parker continues to slice into the lane, cause problems with his floaters and nifty assists. Robert Horry continues to convert those crippling threes, slide over and step up for a teammate and, in general, make all those crucial plays that distinguish between winners and losers. Brent Barry, Nazr Mohammed, Beno Udrih continue to contribute in limited minutes.
And then there is Manu, who has been magnificent. No last name necessary. The fearless Argentine, who electrified the crowd during the fourth quarter of the series opener, did so again Sunday night, earning chants of "MVP, MVP, MVP." Charles Barkley is right about something after all; Manu is the prize of the international class, several electric moves ahead of Peja, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, etc.
"Of course you appreciate it (crowd reaction)," Ginobili said afterward. "It's beautiful. (But) it's not something we are thinking about. It's something that can take you out of your main goal, that is, making your teammates better. Once we win the championship ... "
Yet while inching closer, two victories away as this best-of-series shifts to the Palace of Auburn Hills, the Spurs might not be going anywhere without Bowen. Without his timely offense, including that clinching three, but mostly, without his defense.
His reputation as a stopper expands by the series. Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen, Shawn Marion. Peja. Rip Hamilton is only the latest victim, like all the others, pestered into blowing layups, rushing open jumpers, thinking too much.
Bowen gets into the head, burrows into the body.
Bowen just gets it done.
"When we won the championship the last time," Spurs vice president R.C. Buford said, "Pop (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) pulled Bruce aside and told him he was the most intense player he had ever coached. Bruce deserves all the good things that come his way. No one works harder than he has or makes better use of his abilities."
Another of those much-traveled role players who excel later in their careers, Bowen, though not particularly intimidating at 6-foot-7, is usually a step ahead of his opponents. He beats them to their favorite spots, anticipates their favorite moves, their features often dissolving into the very picture of frustration.
"I want to be sure I get a hand out," said the Fullerton State product who grew up in Merced, "because once they make one shot, that just sets them up for the next shot, and their next shot. I try to make sure I keep them from getting into rhythm."
And then there are those nights, those extraordinary nights, when his defense is terrific, and his offense is significant.
Nights like Game 2, when he is penetrating, passing, scoring. Nights when a journeyman feels like a superstar, even like magic.
"Sometimes you watch some of those old games where Magic Johnson made an incredible pass, and the next thing you know, (Michael) Cooper is making an incredible pass, and (James) Worthy, and so forth," Bowen said. "That's part of this game. It's contagious."
Or as Pistons coach Larry Brown suggested later, it was a Spurs clinic, a classic display of basketball. The Spurs can win by scoring in transition and in the halfcourt. The Spurs can win with defense, relentlessly badgering foes into submission. The Spurs know exactly who they are and, in Bowen's case, where they've been: all over.
"I've had many obstacles in my life," Bowen said. "I'm an NBA player. That's enough incentive for me."
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com
Hmmmmm. A couple of very interesting articles from Voisin about the San Antonio Spurs. I have to wonder if there's a move to San Antonio in her future.
Ailene Voisin: Bowen simply better
Bee Sports Columnist
Published 2:15 am PDT Monday, June 13, 2005
SAN ANTONIO - Bruce Bowen is here because of Kobe, because the Spurs needed someone to contain Kobe. But it's not just about Kobe anymore, nor solely about Bowen's defense anymore.
That three-pointer from the right corner.
That one-bounce pass to Manu Ginobili.
That baseline jumper.
That other three, the one from the left side off that penetrating setup by Ginobili, disrupting any thoughts of a Detroit Pistons comeback victory Sunday night at SBC Center. While still earning his living primarily by making others miserable - and Peja Stojakovic only half-jokingly has referred to Bowen as "my worst nightmare" - the veteran small forward has become a better all-around basketball player, an occasional scorer who blends perfectly with the Spurs, that splendid team that, inexplicably, struggles to shake its label as boring.
Other teams should be so boring. Other teams should be so successful. All together now, all they do is win. Tim Duncan continues to dominate with his rebounding, his low-post skills, his passing, his understated brilliance. Tony Parker continues to slice into the lane, cause problems with his floaters and nifty assists. Robert Horry continues to convert those crippling threes, slide over and step up for a teammate and, in general, make all those crucial plays that distinguish between winners and losers. Brent Barry, Nazr Mohammed, Beno Udrih continue to contribute in limited minutes.
And then there is Manu, who has been magnificent. No last name necessary. The fearless Argentine, who electrified the crowd during the fourth quarter of the series opener, did so again Sunday night, earning chants of "MVP, MVP, MVP." Charles Barkley is right about something after all; Manu is the prize of the international class, several electric moves ahead of Peja, Dirk Nowitzki, Yao Ming, etc.
"Of course you appreciate it (crowd reaction)," Ginobili said afterward. "It's beautiful. (But) it's not something we are thinking about. It's something that can take you out of your main goal, that is, making your teammates better. Once we win the championship ... "
Yet while inching closer, two victories away as this best-of-series shifts to the Palace of Auburn Hills, the Spurs might not be going anywhere without Bowen. Without his timely offense, including that clinching three, but mostly, without his defense.
His reputation as a stopper expands by the series. Carmelo Anthony, Ray Allen, Shawn Marion. Peja. Rip Hamilton is only the latest victim, like all the others, pestered into blowing layups, rushing open jumpers, thinking too much.
Bowen gets into the head, burrows into the body.
Bowen just gets it done.
"When we won the championship the last time," Spurs vice president R.C. Buford said, "Pop (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) pulled Bruce aside and told him he was the most intense player he had ever coached. Bruce deserves all the good things that come his way. No one works harder than he has or makes better use of his abilities."
Another of those much-traveled role players who excel later in their careers, Bowen, though not particularly intimidating at 6-foot-7, is usually a step ahead of his opponents. He beats them to their favorite spots, anticipates their favorite moves, their features often dissolving into the very picture of frustration.
"I want to be sure I get a hand out," said the Fullerton State product who grew up in Merced, "because once they make one shot, that just sets them up for the next shot, and their next shot. I try to make sure I keep them from getting into rhythm."
And then there are those nights, those extraordinary nights, when his defense is terrific, and his offense is significant.
Nights like Game 2, when he is penetrating, passing, scoring. Nights when a journeyman feels like a superstar, even like magic.
"Sometimes you watch some of those old games where Magic Johnson made an incredible pass, and the next thing you know, (Michael) Cooper is making an incredible pass, and (James) Worthy, and so forth," Bowen said. "That's part of this game. It's contagious."
Or as Pistons coach Larry Brown suggested later, it was a Spurs clinic, a classic display of basketball. The Spurs can win by scoring in transition and in the halfcourt. The Spurs can win with defense, relentlessly badgering foes into submission. The Spurs know exactly who they are and, in Bowen's case, where they've been: all over.
"I've had many obstacles in my life," Bowen said. "I'm an NBA player. That's enough incentive for me."
About the writer: Reach Ailene Voisin at (916) 321-1208 or avoisin@sacbee.com
Hmmmmm. A couple of very interesting articles from Voisin about the San Antonio Spurs. I have to wonder if there's a move to San Antonio in her future.
