"My brother taught me to have a go-get attitude," Bowen said. "If something's not given to you, go get it."

Bowen has taken the same approach on the court, earning a reputation as one of the league's most tenacious defenders. After signing Bowen in the offseason as their designated perimeter stopper, the Spurs have asked him to guard everyone from Tracy McGrady to Gary Payton to Antawn Jamison. Vince Carter is tonight's assignment.

In the Spurs' overtime loss to Sacramento, Bowen barely allowed Peja Stojakovic to get a shot off. He chased him through screens, crowded him, slapped at the ball and frustrated Stojakovic ? who finished with 11 points ? so much that he walked off the court muttering to himself.