NBA legend Bowen: "Golden State in 6 or 7"

Bruce Bowen believes the Warriors will still prevail in their "Round 4" against the Cavs. Kyle Terada/USA Today (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANDALUYONG--NBA legend Bruce Bowen believes that Golden State's NBA Finals performance last year will happen again in their rematch with Cleveland.

"I say Golden State because they won last year. They just need to do it that way," the former San Antonio Spurs star said on the eve of the start of the fourth straight finals meeting during the Warriors and the Cavaliers during a media session at the EDSA Shangri-La Hotel.

But unlike last year, when Golden State needed just five games--going 3-0 to start the best-of-seven series--to take back the title from Cleveland, Bowen thinks it will be a bit tougher.

"For me, it's six or seven," Bowen predicted the length of the finals series.

He, however, added that the Cavs have a chance to make it 2-2 against the Warriors should they do what he thinks they should do.

"If Kevin Durant doesn't have the ball, make sure you deny the guy so he doesn't get the ball. Or pick up Steph Curry at halfcourt and not allow him to have that freedom to move in a space. If he drives to the basket, then you have to have somebody to help," Bowen, who became well-known for his lockdown defense that helped San Antonio take three titles in 2003, 2005, and 2007, revealed his defensive pointers for Cleveland.

Bowen is the special guest in two viewing parties set up by the NBA's Philippine broadcast partner BTV over the weekend.

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