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New York • In a big way, when the Utah Jazz face the New York Knicks on Wednesday night, they'll be fortunate to see a point guard like Jose Calderon.
Although he's a solid player, he's not the attacking type of guard that has been a thorn in Utah's side lately.
Last week, it was Portland's Damian Lillard. The former Weber State star scored 21 points and came close to a triple-double in a 99-85 win over Utah. On Monday, in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets, Kemba Walker scored 52, setting a Hornets' franchise record.
"He's a quick, shifty little guy and he can get into the paint pretty easily," Jazz forward Gordon Hayward said. "So we were trying to stay off him a certain length and he just buried the three-ball."
Utah has missed Dante Exum's ability to slow down shifty guards with his long arms and athleticism. But he won't return from injury until next season, so responsibility falls on guards Raul Neto and Trey Burke to defend better on the perimeter. Rudy Gobert's presence in the lane helps, but the Jazz can't rely on him to block or alter every guards' shot.
"That's something we have to learn and grow from," Burke said.
Injury list
Derrick Favors is doubtful for Wednesday's game against the Knicks. It would be his 15th consecutive game missed because of back spasms. Favors last played in a loss to the Golden State Warriors on Dec. 23. If he can't play, rookie Trey Lyles is expected to get the start at power forward.
Stepping forward
Burke has had five games with at least 20 points. He scored 25 against Charlotte on Monday, continuing what is becoming a career season for him.
"I've got to grow from what I've been doing offensively and become better on defense," Burke said. "That's the biggest thing I'm trying to improve at."
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