Derrick Favors has been hugely responsible for Utah’s playoff success
When looking at Utah’s playoff performances the past three seasons, it’s easy to suggest very specific players who brought about their successes. Against the LA Clippers, Joe Johnson played hero in Game 1, hitting a buzzer beater to earn a crucial Jazz victory. Against the Oklahoma City Thunder the next season, Ricky Rubio handled Russell Westbrook, and Donovan Mitchell was prolific.
Lastly, while the Jazz only won one single playoff game in 2019, yet again Donovan Mitchell’s heroics – a 31-point outpouring on his most efficient outing of the playoffs – were largely credited for the victory. However, beneath all those flashy and outstanding performances, the play of one person in the background stands out to me even more. Of course the man I’m referring to is Derrick Favors.
In Game 1 against the LA Clippers two years ago, sure it was Johnson that hit the game winner, but it was a less than fully healthy Derrick Favors who stepped up in the absence of Rudy Gobert and willed the Jazz to an incredible victory. He was exceptional all series long including in a pivotal Game 7 where his 17 points helped put the Clips away for good.
The story was the same in 2018. Derrick Favors was incredible as he put up double figures in all but Game 1 of the series against Oklahoma City. There’s no way the Jazz win Game 2 that year without him as he put up 20 points and pulled down 16 rebounds – eight of them offensive – and the same can probably be said for Games 3 and 4 as well. Favs was far too much for OKC to handle and led directly to victory.
Dennis Lindsey said he absolutely would like to have Derrick Favors back on the roster next season. #utahjazz #NBA
— John Coon (@johncoonsports) April 25, 2019
Lastly, as I’ve already touched on, in Utah’s lone playoff win this season, Derrick was in my mind far and above the hero. His offensive rebounds down the stretch were vital to the victory, and his relentless hustle and effort all game long were largely the reason the Jazz came out on top. The fact that he was granted only 18 minutes the following game after that performance still irks me to no end.
So what’s my point in all this? Well, if it wasn’t already overwhelmingly clear, it’s that when the going gets tough and the stakes are at their highest, that’s when Derrick Favors is at his best. Without Favors, the Jazz likely don’t advance to the second round in either of the aforementioned series and likely would have been swept this year. His ability to step up in the playoffs and give the Jazz an extra edge is as invaluable as could be.
Considering how crucial he’s been in the postseason alone, the Jazz should definitely think twice before just parting ways with him this summer. He’s directly responsible for much of Utah’s success, which is a fact that can’t be overlooked.