Utah Jazz notes: Derrick Favors' D preserves W

Orlando, Fla. • In November 2006, journeyman point guard Ronnie Price, then with the Sacramento Kings, leapt into the highlight reel with a ferocious dunk over Carlos Boozer.

Wednesday night, Price, now with the Orlando Magic, tried to do the same thing to another Jazz forward.

Derrick Favors was not as welcoming.

The fourth-year big man rejected Price for one of five blocks he recorded in Wednesday's win over the Magic.

"Trey [Burke] did a good job going offensively, but we needed stops defensively, so I took that job," Favors said.

With 10 seconds left on the clock and the Jazz up two, Favors helped preserve the victory, coming into the lane to alter Jameer Nelson's would-be game-tying layup.

"I just wanted to make a play because I missed the easy layup at the other end of the court," said Favors, who had 14 points and 11 rebounds. "I just wanted to contest his shot, make him alter it a little bit. … Usually he makes those. I think I altered it."

'Special' mentor

Magic coach Jacque Vaughn started his career in Utah, playing under Jazz coach Jerry Sloan from 1997-2001, and "special," was how Vaughn described his first NBA coach. "The reason I do a lot of things I do today is because of him. Credit to that organization for teaching me how to be a professional. I had great teammates, and I saw how he led us as a coach. His demeanor every day, his want every day, his loyalty. I'll never forget that."

Overlooked

Burke and Magic rookie Victor Oladipo were both high picks in this year's draft, but they weren't always so sought after. Coming out of high school, Burke was ranked as the nation's 142nd best recruit. Oladipo was No. 144.

"He's a guy that's kind of like me," Burke said. "Out of high school, he wasn't really highly recruited, had to prove himself to everybody. I'll always have respect for guys like Vic."

afalk@sltrib.com

Twitter: @tribjazz