The Utah Jazz moved big man Derrick Favors to the bench after going through a tough stretch, losing three straight games and five of their last six. The move paid off in a big way, as the Jazz had a rousing 21-point win on the road against the Sacramento Kings, putting up a season-high 133 points against the surging Western Conference team.
Favors maintains the move to the bench hasn't changed his mindset, but rather made him more focused to ensure there is no drop off in his daily production.
“My mindset doesn't change,” said Favors, according to Tony Jones of The Athletic. “I have a job to do. I block out all the outside noise, and make sure there is no drop off when I come into the game.”
Favors experienced no drop-off, as he put up a mixed bag of goods in his 24 minutes against the Kings, posting 11 points, seven rebounds, two assists, three steals and three blocks in the win.
The move to the bench allowed the Jazz to keep him in his natural spot at center, giving Utah a starter for the duration of the entire game, rather than forcing two big bodies in him and Gobert to coexist in a crowded frontcourt.
Derrick Favors' playing time has remained consistent, as he has played between 22 and 27 minutes during the past 10 games, something that will likely remain the same in his new role as part of Quin Snyder's second unit.