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Derrick Favors' first comeback attempt fell short.
But now, after a 13-game absence due to a bone bruise in his knee, the Utah Jazz forward says he's confident that he's ready to return to the court this time around.
"The first time I came back, I wasn't sure how my knee was going to react to playing," Favors said Wednesday. "I didn't know how to approach it. But I went out a second time, and I did the correct training, and now I kind of know how to approach the game mentally and physically."
Favors had a minutes restriction Wednesday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder, his first game action since Nov. 14.
"You can't really substitute game speed in a training room or doing one-on-one workouts," he said. "Normally that takes a couple games."
The Jazz entered the night with a 15-10 record but Favors himself believed Utah would be sitting in a better spot if not for the team's many injuries.
"They did a great job without me, George [Hill], [Rodney Hood] has been out a couple of games. They did a great job. I don't want to take nothing away from them," Favors said. "And I don't want to get ahead of myself. But I think we can be a pretty good team once everybody gets healthy. We can have a much better record than we have."
More stripes
Jazz coach Quin Snyder has no qualms with the D-League experimenting with adding an extra official for each game.
"To me, having been in the D-League, that's what the D-League is for," said Snyder, who once coached the Austin Toros. "Why not? Let's do more. Let's try to be better with officiating."
Players' playlist
The Jazz changed up their player introductions Wednesday, with starters walking out to songs the players picked for themselves. Dante Exum was introduced to DMX's "X Gon' Give It To Ya." Hood picked Young Jeezy's "My Hood."
"I think it's a cool thing to do," Hood said. "Just adds to the excitement."
No worries
When Exum missed practice Tuesday due to a left knee injury, there had to be a bit of concern. But Exum on Wednesday said the ailment is something he has dealt with throughout his life.
"Tendinitis is something I've always battled," he said. "It was good just to get a day's rest."
Twitter: @aaronfalk