Jazz 80 - 86 Pelicans
Final
  for this game

Jazz continue hectic stretch in NOLA

Feb 13, 2012 - 3:43 PM (Sports Network) - Utah continues a grueling three games in three nights road stretch tonight in the Big Easy when it visits the struggling New Orleans Hornets.

The Jazz snapped a three-game skid in Memphis last night with an impressive 98-88 win over the Grizzlies.

Gordon Hayward scored 23 points and handed out five assists in that one while Al Jefferson chipped in with a double-double of 21 points and 15 rebounds. Paul Millsap added 16 and eight for the Jazz, who won the battle in the paint, 54-40, and shot 51 percent from the field.

"We were aggressive," Jazz head coach Ty Corbin said. "The guys played hard."

Utah, which is now 3-7 away from Salt Lake City, will finish it's only back- to-back-to-back this season in Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

The Hornets, meanwhile, have lost eight straight and 23 of 25 overall since starting the season 2-0. Their most recent setback came on Friday when Portland escaped the Bayou with a 94-86 triumph.

Trevor Ariza led New Orleans with 23 points and nine rebounds. Emeka Okafor netted 13, while Al-Farouq Aminu and Marco Belinelli each scored 12 as the Hornets fell to 0-3 on a four-game homestand.

"When I look at this game, I see guys who fought, who competed, who were put in a tough situation and battled all night," Hornets head coach Monty Williams said. "Right now, I'm proud to be around a group of guys who fight no matter what the situation."

Injuries continue to be a major problem in New Orleans. Starting guard Jarrett Jack did not play against the Blazers with soreness in his left knee. Jack aggravated the injury against Chicago on Wednesday after missing the previous three games and has already been ruled out for tonight's contest.

Meanwhile, centers Chris Kaman (sprained left ankle) and Jason Smith (concussion) are both questionable for tonight, while high-scoring Eric Gordon (sore right knee) and forward Carl Landry (sprained left knee) remain on the sidelines.

Utah has won five of its last six games in NOLA.






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