[bloodshyParticipant]

Derrick Favors is still a mediocre offensive player, with little ability to carry the load down low and few moves to get his own shot. The only reason he qualifies as "mediocre" frankly is because he’s a freak athlete that overcomes skill with speed, lift and strength. But his defense is simply elite.

Last night Bargnani went 5 of 7 for 19 points through three quarters. During that time he was guarded by Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson. At the beginning of the 4th Favors got the duty to guard Bargnani. Through the 4th quarter and 3 OTs Favors held Bargs to 0-10 shooting for 0 pts.

Let me repeat: After going 5-7 for 19 points through three quarters, Favors held Bargnani to 0 pts on 0-10 shooting, completely taking him out of the game.

Pretty much all of Favors’ scoring came off put backs and in transition. He ended with just 15 pts and 6 boards, shooting 50% in 45 minutes of play. But he absolutely smothered Bargs and added 4 blocks and 2 steals.

Another Note: Millsap is a better defender at the 3 than the 4. People have sometimes questioned if he had the defensive speed to play the 3–he does. In fact, he shut down Derozen a couple of times in 1 on 1 ISOs last night and forced him into tough shots that Derozen missed. Derozen simply couldn’t get around Millsap and couldn’t get an easy shot with Sap on him. Additionally, once they put Sap on Kleiza (who went off for 20 off the bench), Kleiza began racking up fouls and scored 0 with Sap guarding him. I found this interesting since Sap was absolutely outgunned when he was guarding Bargnani, which is supposed to be his "natural" position. Considering Sap’s improved outside game (9-13 from deep this year), I think it may be time for a permanent position shift.

[dmo21Participant]

well I only got to watch the first 3 quarters, but I did see atleast a couple plays where Favors had trouble guarding Bargnani. When Bargnani starts on the perimeter Favors looked out of his element and didn’t know what to do. The one play Bargs got the ball at the top of the 3 point line where he got Favors to jump on a pump fake (is he really going to block a 7 footer shooting a 3 pointer???) and then drove by him leaving Favors having to foul him. 

[ilike.panochasParticipant]

Favors may be limited offensively, but one thing I do like is he has a “motor”. He rebounds and plays tough defense, he’s a stud waiting to happen.

[lalailaParticipant]

yes..and actually it’s funny scouts called his motor as a little problem..i see the same happening with Drummond who looks pretty active early

[bloodshyParticipant]

Sorry, I actually got my stats slightly wrong. Bargs went 5-7 for 17 points with Sap/Al guarding him and went 0-10 for 2 points with Favors guarding him (2 free throws).

[BenchWarmerParticipant]

Those stats are actually pretty nuts. Millsap can definitely guard the 3, but for a whole game could tire him out. If the situation permits and Corbin needs to he should, he’s got some options.

[apb540Participant]

Great point on Millsap guarding threes.  If he had to do it for a full game, I think that would be a problem.  He’s going to be a real interesting deadline/free agency situation. 

[Lebron’s HairlineParticipant]

I think you have to factor fatigue into why favors was able to shut bargs down think about it; yes favors is a lockdown defender but his job was much easier as all that banging with sap and Jefferson had to make him winded as the game rolled on

[starpyParticipant]

Great D all game, not forgetting Favors had that clutch block on Terrence Ross to force OT as well.

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