Could Bruce Bowen win the Defensive Player of the Year award?
Realistically, no. His brand of defense doesn't have the flash or evoke the SportsCenter highlights necessary to sway voters. Where the big guys down low change games with their jaw dropping blocks and fill the stat sheets with rebounds, Bowen does his work in virtual anonymity.
However, with cat-like lateral quickness and a fiery competitive spirit, the 6-foot-7 forward is arguably the most effective defender in the league. Not does he only set the tone for the Spurs defensively, he also has a knack for taking superstars out of their game with his pesky manner.
The Spurs rely on Bowen as much as they rely on any of their role players surrounding Tim Duncan. The energy he brings to defense is a main reason why the team has reeled off nine wins in their last ten contests. A closer breakdown of these ten games show that not only is Bowen quietly dominating, he is a bona fide Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Game 1
Spurs vs. Timberwolves
106-86 Win
Bowen Defended:
Latrell Sprewell
5 points (2-8 from the field)
Game 2
Spurs vs. Celtics
103-87 Win
Bowen Defended:
Paul Pierce
18 points (6-24 from the field)
Game 3
Spurs @ Timberwolves
86-81 Loss
Bowen Defended:
Sam Cassell
14 points (2-11 from the field)
Game 4
Spurs vs. Pistons
84-75 Win
Bowen Defended:
Chauncey Billups
4 points (1-7 from the field)
Game 5
Spurs vs. Suns
105-76 Win
Bowen Defended:
Joe Johnson
15 points (6-19 from the field)
Game 6
Spurs vs. Cavaliers
101-93 Win
Bowen Defended:
LeBron James
18 points (9-20 from the field)
Game 7
Spurs vs. Kings
107-89 Win
Bowen Defended:
Peja Stojakovic
19 points (6-15 from the field)
Game 8
Spurs @ Jazz
94-81 Win
Bowen Defended:
Gordan Giricek
22 points (8-15 from the field)
Game 9
Spurs @ Lakers
95-89 Win
Bowen Defended:
Kobe Bryant
28 points (9-26 from the field)
Game 10
Spurs vs. Sonics
96-75 Win
Bowen Defended:
Ray Allen
17 points (6-16 from the field)
For the ten-game stretch, the player Bowen has defended is averaging 16.0 points per game on 34.2% shooting from the field and 25.0% from beyond the arc. For the season, those same players are averaging 19.7 points on 43.4% from the field and 36.3% on threes. This drastic drop in production from the opponent's star perimeter player is a core reason for the Spurs recent winning ways.
Defensive Player of the Year?
Judge for yourself.
