Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Takeaways From Crucial Game 3 Win

April 18, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) moves the ball against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20), guard George Hill (3) and forward Derrick Favors (15) during the second half in game two of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Although Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors (15) drew the foul on this play against LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) in the fourth quarter, Jordan held Favors to a quiet night. The Jazz big man also missed both of the ensuing free throws on this possession. Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports. /

No. 5: DeAndre Jordan Shuts Down Derrick Favors

The enduring memory of Derrick Favors from this Game 3 will be the two free throws that he missed with 43 seconds left in the game. However, his complete lack of impact on the game prior to that moment was far more damaging to Utah’s chances of winning their home opener.

Favors managed just two points on three shots in 38 minutes. He also grabbed just six rebounds despite starting at center, and added five fouls to his box score tally.

DeAndre Jordan completely neutralized Favors on the offensive end and the Los Angeles Clippers as a team attacked him aggressively near the rim. The Clippers were 20 of 26 on shots attempts taken less than five feet from the basket, per NBA.com.

The Clippers are clearly better off with Favors in the middle than they would be if Rudy Gobert were healthy. Still, the difference was quite stark in this game. Favors finished with a plus-minus of -17.

No other player on either team finished the night with a plus-minus below -5.

The Clippers will look to continue to attack Favors if he can’t at least return to the decent level of play he exhibited in the first two games of the series.

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