Denzel Bowles flashes ‘vintage’ form in Rain or Shine win over Phoenix

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

ANTIPOLO CITY—It’s been seven years since Denzel Bowles was regarded as the PBA’s best import, but at least for a game so far in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup he felt that younger and more dominant version of himself was back.

Bowles was dominant for Rain or Shine in a 89-82 win over Phoenix Sunday, putting up 28 points, 16 of which came in the fourth, on 11-of-14 shooting and 14 rebounds.

“It felt like a vintage me like back a couple of years ago when I played here,” said Bowles, the 2012 Commissioner’s Cup Best Import. “The takeover like that, it felt really good.”

Bowles had four stints with the Purefoods franchise before returning for a fifth PBA duty this time, for the Elasto Painters.

And he certainly wants to make the most out of the opportunity to lead Rain or Shine.

With the Elasto Painters went down, 75-68, with 8:16 to play, Bowles took it upon himself to rally his team back en route to its second straight victory.

Bowles gave the Elasto Painters an 82-80 lead off a three-point play with 2:20 to play before delivering the dagger with 50.2 seconds with a short bank shot to cap off Rain or Shine’s 12-2 closing run.

“This is a different offense for me and I’m adjusting to my teammates and they’re adjusting to me, I think every game we’re getting better and better,” said Bowles. “We’re a defensive team so we will always be in the game.”