Bowen and efense improve

One reason the Spurs shut down the Hornets' 3-point shooters in Game 3 was because they gave their best defender the assignment of shutting down New Orleans' top marksman.
After spending the first two games defending Chris Paul, ace stopper Bruce Bowen got the assignment of defending Peja Stojakovic Thursday. After scoring 47 points on 17-of-30 shooting in the first two games, he mustered only eight points on 2-of-7 shooting. His only 3-point make came on a transition switch after Tony Parker had fallen down on a drive at the other end.
"[Bowen] was next to me all the time," said Stojakovic.
"With Peja you just have to be aware where he is a lot, and understand his comfort [zone]," said Bowen. "He likes that space, he's got a great shot, he's good shooting 3-pointers so you [have to] take that away."
Stojakovic's frustration became evident even in the first quarter. He'd been on the court for over eight minutes without taking a shot before he forced up a contested three with Bowen draped all over him, making it seem Bowen was already in his head ... though Bowen wouldn't admit it.
"That stuff's overrated," said Bowen. "I'm just playing. If he chooses to do something like that, great for us."
With San Antonio more committed to stopping the three and letting Paul wreck whatever he could on the drive, the Spurs allowed only two 3-pointers, only one of which came in a halfcourt setting.
"I think that just opened the lane up for me a little more," said Paul, and he took advantage with 35 points. But Stojakovic and Morris Peterson combined for just 11.
"Peja and Mo, they're great players, and when they get looks they knock them down. We just need to find ways to get them a little more involved in Game 4. I don't think there's [any] cause to panic," said Paul.
"We have to do a better job on the offensive end too as far as being more patient and moving the ball," said Stojakovic.