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Jazz’s unbeaten streak coincides with Derrick Favors’ dominance in the paint

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) pulls in a rebound as the Utah Jazz host the Phoenix Suns, NBA basketball in Salt Lake City, Wednesday Feb. 14, 2018.

(Trent Nelson | The Salt Lake Tribune) Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) pulls in a rebound as the Utah Jazz host the Phoenix Suns, NBA basketball in Salt Lake City, Wednesday Feb. 14, 2018.

For Utah Jazz fans, the debate on whether Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors should play major minutes together has raged for seemingly an eternity.

But if Wednesday night’s 107-97 win over the Phoenix Suns is any indication, the argument should be put to rest for the time being.

In a game where the Jazz struggled with their shooting and hit 10 of 34 from 3-point range, Favors and Gobert who couldn’t be stopped on the interior. Their play on both ends proved to be the difference in what was a mostly even game.

“I think me and Rudy, we set out to control the paint offensively and defensively,” Favors said. “Defensively, we wanted to keep them away from the rim and offensively, we wanted to keep rolling to the basket and put pressure on the rim. I thought we did a good job of both tonight.”

It shows in the boxscore. Gobert, who’s been spectacular since returning from injury, grabbed 17 rebounds and scored 14 points in 37 minutes. He went 5 of 8 from the field and made all four of his free throws. He beat Phoenix center Alex Len down the court for an easy basket in transition for a big basket that made it 96-90 late in the fourth quarter.

As good as Gobert was, Favors may have been better. The big man from Georgia Tech scored 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. He added two assists and one blocked shot.

Favors was 7 of 9 from the field and 4 of 6 from the free-throw line. He was also very good defensively on the perimeter, staying in front of Phoenix’s guards and forwards when the Suns went small.

“Derrick, he’s just done a great job,” Gobert said. “It wasn’t an easy situation for him, dealing with all of those trade rumors. But he’s stayed professional. He’s stayed connected to the team. He was big tonight, and he’s been a big part of this winning streak.”

The two seem comfortable with each other on the floor. Jazz coach Quin Snyder has stayed committed to keeping Favors in the starting lineup and rotating him and Gobert at center, allowing the Jazz to keep a rim protector on the floor throughout each game.

Favors has played so well of late that he’s been finishing games as well. Against the Suns, they finished together, and Favors was able to grab a big offensive rebound that led to Donovan Mitchell’s back-breaking 3-pointer.

“We played a really talented team tonight,” Phoenix guard Devin Booker said. “Obviously, they are playing their best basketball of the season.”