The inspired play of Derrick Favors has the Jazz looking like one of the NBA's hottest up and coming teams. Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Utah has burst onto the scene and holds the eighth spot out West. Defensive chops and new talent have both played a major role.
The Utah Jazz have burst onto the scene in a huge way. The team was fueled by inspired play from Gordon Hayward and Derrick Favors during Rudy Gobert’s knee injury-related absence, and a furious return from Gobert himself over the past month.
Despite the brutal loss of Dante Exum to a season-ending ACL tear in the preseason, thus putting a damper on the rebuilding process, the Jazz have managed to earn a 26-26 record.