Hack-a-Bowen?

[nych 1]

Because Bowen did such a good job defending Peja, would it be a good strategy to hack-a-Bowen? His career ft % is .575; this season (.652); these playoffs (.600). While he has shot free throws better this year, how will he react when he knows he is the focal point? It may be a way to at least slow the momentum of the Spurs when they start nailing the threes and driving at will to the hole.

 

[chango]

I hate the "hack-a-anybody" strategy. I thought it was weak when Nellie did it and I hated it when the Spurs did it against Shaq.

 

[longhornfan2818]

While i hate it also, It is completely within the rules.

 

[hudsonhorn]

While I hate it, too, as it completely screws up the flow of the game, I agree that it is within the rules. Would not be surprising to see Hack-A-Bowen used some but Pop generally gets him out of the game when the Spurs are on offense at the end of the game - leaves the good free throw shooters in there - Manu, Fin, etc.

 

[TheFied]

Dallas did in 2003 effectively vs. the SPurs. Spurs lost a big lead in game 1 and lost that game on a Finley bucket to win the game.

Fortunately Spurs won the series behind Stevie Kerr (as Musburger called him).

 

[MeaHorn]

I hate it too, but until the rule is changed then it's part of the game. If the coach refuses to pull the player from the game then it's all on him. Coaches at this level are looking for a way to gain an advantage and force the other's hand. Pop knew that was a way to get Shaq off the floor and to totally kill the offensive rhythm of the Suns.

I kinda doubt that they'll do it to Bowen as he just isn't that big an offensive contributor. But if it frees up Peja then maybe it's worth it.

The Hornets are more likely to hack Duncan. He's kinda streaky at the line.

I'm hoping they change the rule in the offseason.

 

[TheFied]

Don Nelson practically invented the practice against the Spurs back in ~1992 when the Warriors beat the Spurs in the 1st round (if memory serves). I cannot remember who he did it against but somehow Lucas or Larry Brown couldn't get the guy out.

 

[Mageeman]

One of the reasons I don't think NO will do the hack-a-person strategy is it becomes harder to run a fast paced game with they want to run. NO doesn't want to be a half-court team.

 

[GHoward]

So far NO hasn't had to use this strategy. Plus they don't want to. It would distrupt their offensive flow more than ours. So unless they are just playing like crap and need some possible easy "stops" they won't do it.

 

[AstroVol]

I think the expression is "Bruise-a-Bruce."

 

[wadster]

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[Uninformed]

^^^^
I agree except for end of games. The 3 point shot changes the dynamics a little.

 

[ProdigalHorn]

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