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SALT LAKE CITY — Halloween has long passed, but scenes inside the EnergySolutions Arena Friday reminded fans of the horror story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Leading 67-60 going into the fourth quarter, the Utah Jazz put up their best defensive effort through three quarters this season, holding San Antonio to 1 of 11 shooting from behind the three-point arc.
The fourth quarter, though, proved to be a collapse that has epitomized the season to this point, with San Antonio shooting 52.6 percent in the quarter. The Spurs outscored the Jazz 31-15 in the final period and ended up winning, 91-82, to move to a Western Conference-best 9-1 in the young season.
One thing that was universal throughout the game, though, was improvement from the young Jazz big men, as Derrick Favors scored 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Jazz.
Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin was pleased with Favors’ performance.
“I thought he did a good job, especially on the defensive end,” Corbin said. “I thought he really anchored the defense; made some good blocks. He really controlled the boards on both ends.”
Favors also repeatedly frustrated Spurs forward Tim Duncan in the first half before foul trouble caused him to miss a lengthy amount of time in the second half.
Despite the missed time, Favors said he was focused and prepared to face off against Duncan, who finished with 14 points.
“Coach (Corbin) told me just to go out there and play him,” said Favors. “We knew he’s going to make tough shots, because he’s Tim Duncan, but he just wanted me to go out and play him and just have him take tough shots.”
Performances like Favors’ don’t shock Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, who said quality post play is ingrained in the Jazz culture.
Derrick Favors scored 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds to lead the Jazz.
“It’s in the water here in Salt Lake — they (post players) epitomize blue-collar guys,” said Popovich. “They’re relentless going after boards; they play rock em’, sock em’, physical basketball. They do it for 48 minutes, and if you don’t lace them up and you aren’t ready to play that game, they’re going to get the advantage every time.”
The Jazz led 46-41 at halftime, and the lead was largely based on second-chance points. Utah outscored San Antonio 12-0 in that category in the first-half, and center Enes Kanter contributed to that margin, with two put-backs in the second quarter.
Corbin said Kanter’s play is a sign of his growth as a player.
“Enes is growing,” Corbin said. “He’s learning what it takes to be a starter in this league, how he has to prepare himself coming out the third quarter to be ready. I think he’s getting better at that and not relaxing.”
Another positive note came on the glass as the Jazz outrebounded San Antonio 50-43.
Duncan said Utah’s front line presents problems for rebounders.
“With their obvious size and athleticism, they are tough and one of the best in the league at hitting the offensive glass,” he said.
Now the Jazz prepare for a home-and-home with the Golden State Warriors, and Favors said the team needs to forget the fourth-quarter woes quickly.
“They’re another good team — a team with good shooters and good post players,” said Favors, who recorded his fourth double-double of the season. “So, you know we’re going to have to come out there and play with a lot of energy and match their intensity.”
