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Memphis, Tenn. • The minutes for Derrick Favors aren't going to come all at once. Nor is his rhythm. Indeed, Utah's power forward has been limited to 10-15 minutes per night since returning to the active roster last week, after missing a lengthy period with a bone contusion in his knee.
But even playing just 13 minutes on Sunday night, Favors had a significant role in the Jazz defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 82-73 at FedExForum.
Favors scored four points on 2 of 4 shooting from the field. But, with Memphis going big in the fourth quarter with Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph, Utah coach Quin Snyder countered with Favors and Rudy Gobert. It was the first time the two had been on the floor together since Favors came back from his injury.
"I thought he looked more comfortable," Snyder said. "I thought in the first half he found a bit of rhythm offensively. I thought some of the things he did weren't visible. He blocked a few shots in the first half. He had a presence in the paint. And then in the fourth quarter, Derrick went in there, and I think with him back, Rudy feels like someone has his back."
Since returning from injury, Favors' minutes have been capped anywhere from 10-15, and he's almost exclusively played the center spot with the second unit. On Sunday night, Favors played his power forward spot for the first time in his three games.
He made two jumpers, both on isolation touches in the post. Favors for night was sensational defensively in his limited minutes. He led the game with four blocked shots and grabbed a rebound, consistently deterring Memphis players at the rim.
"I feel good," Favors said. "I think I'm starting to feel better every game, every day. I'm trying to go out and play as hard as I can. I want to do the little things. I think the hardest part is trying to get my rhythm back. I'm trying to find my shot, and finding different ways to be effective on the court."
Favors will likely be on a restriction when the Jazz face the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. But the signs of progress are there. The defense is returning. He's running fluidly and without the pain that forced him to sit originally.
With Favors back, the Jazz can put a defensive rim protector on the floor for an entire game. On Sunday night, that ability went a long way toward Utah being able to beat the Grizzlies. And with that, Favors is hoping the rest of his game can catch up to his defense.
tjones@sltrib.com twitter: @tribjazz