Bruce Bowen still believes the Big Three of San Antonio Spurs can get the job done – NBA News
The San Antonio Spurs have remained relevant in the NBA over the past decade or so because of the ability of the front office and coaching staff to adapt to the situation and play on the strengths of the roster. Over the years,
the Spurs have played different brands of basketball according to the talent level in the roster, and having a legendary coach in Gregg Popovich has only made things easier for the franchise and the players. Up till a few years ago, the Spurs were one of the
best defensive units in the league, with David Robinson and Tim Duncan leading the team on that end of the floor.
As Duncan got limited by his age over the years, the Spurs changed their strategy to one that relies on the open floor, spreading the defence using extra passes and heavily relying on good shooters. And of course the rise of Tony
Parker has always given them the edge in penetration.
One of the key players in the Spurs era of dominance over the past decade had been Bruce Bowen. The defensive specialist won three NBA championships with the franchise, and his jersey was retired last season as a tribute to his
services for the team. Now a basketball analyst on ESPN, Bowen says that the Spurs ability to keep their big three intact for next season will help them remain in contention for yet another year.
“I think when you have those players that have been together that long, what they do is they enhance other people's game. You know, when you're able to blend in guys with a core like that, it's not about the egos, it's more about
helping the other guys become better,” said Bowen.
The Spurs were defeated by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals last season, breaking their 20 game winning streak. This year, with the Thunder more experienced and the Lakers looking great with the addition
of Dwight Howard and Steve Nash, Bowen still believes that the Spurs have it within them to finish top three in the West.
“I think they will always have the chance to be in the Top 3 of the West. I think it was a telltale situation last year as far as experience winning out over everything else. They just got beat by a younger version of them in Kevin
Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden,” said Bowen.
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