Once again, another superior opponent gets his career-high against the Spurs.
Playing a zone defense is probably works against average-to above average players, but not against a superstar like Rose. The inability of the Spurs perimeter defenders to stay in front of him was expected. The manner in which Rose broke down the defense and got into the paint was also expected. However, the area where Rose has improved dramatically, is his jump shot. He's always had enough hops to rise above almost everyone and get it off. However, his shooting accuracy is much-improved.
The Spurs play decent team defense, but there is a time when a lockdown perimeter defender is needed to frustrate, deny and challenge a superior offensive player - like Rose. The Spurs have no such player - which is why they are powerless against the many superior wing players in the league.
As others have stated, it just makes us all appreciate and miss Bowen even more.