Utah Jazz: Paul Millsap's play leaves a mark — on his face

SALT LAKE CITY — It's not an official stat. But if the NBA kept track of stitch count, Paul Millsap would certainly be among the league leaders.

He got four above his right eyebrow after getting smacked against Detroit last month.

Another 10 were required above his upper lip after he got elbowed in the kisser last week in Miami.

Some of Millsap's statistics have dipped a bit this post-contract year, such as his staggering amount of double-doubles, his rebounding rampages and assists.

But Millsap's mug is off to one heck of a start when it comes to stitches received.

"Just getting there, trying to fight with those guys down low, I mean, sometimes you take hits like that," Millsap said. "Another day in the office. You get used to it after a while."

He does, at least.

It's almost scary to think how high the 14-stitch stat might be had Carlos Boozer not opted in and commanded some power-forward minutes Millsap would've gotten.

Millsap is not making a fuss about it, of course. He's a toughman's toughman. Punishment comes with the dangerous territory for his all-out style of physical play.

"He's not afraid," Jazz coach/toughman appreciator Jerry Sloan said. "He's not standing on the perimeter ... that makes a big difference. He's going to get banged up. That's why a lot of people like to play the perimeter."

And why some like face masks.

Not Millsap.

But while he's been taking and giving a pounding in the paint and increasing the amount of medical thread in his face at an impressive rate, Millsap isn't having the jaw-dropping statistical year he did last season when he finished fourth in voting for the NBA's most improved player award.

Sure, he's tallying a respectable 10.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in 25.5 minutes a game, but the numbers are down compared to his career-high averages of 13.5 ppg, 8.6 rpg and 30.1 mpg from 2008-09.

"As long as we win, stats and none of that stuff matter," said Millsap, who isn't exactly satisfied with the Jazz's 17-13 record. "Me personally, I think I could do a little bit better."

He sure set the bar high last year.