Jazz trying to bring effort, energy through season's end


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SALT LAKE CITY — One of the toughest things to go through in sports is to have to compete despite having no hope of a postseason berth.

The Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans were long ago eliminated from postseason contention but still have to play out the schedule, meaning the Jazz have to play seven more games. At least the thought of playing those games is a little bit sweeter now, after Utah picked up a 100-96 victory over New Orleans Friday.

Still, it is a challenge to continue to play with no hope of the postseason, but Jazz coach Tyrone Corbin said the win over the Pelicans demonstrated how important energy is for a team to win, regardless of record.

“We have to have the energy to have a chance to compete,” he said. “With where we are in our development, it’s been a long year for these guys; they’ve been through a lot. We’ve just got to make sure we stay on the same pace.”

New Orleans coach Monty Williams has yet to coach a team to the playoffs, but he noted that his team has stressed the need to play through the season.

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“We’ve done a good job with the last few years of difficult situations, finishing strong,” Williams said. “(Guys giving up); it’s not something we’ve had to worry about.”

Gordon Hayward has played in the NBA playoffs in one of his four seasons of play and said he was proud of his teammates for their play.

“It was pretty good execution offensively, for the most part,” said Hayward, who finished with a Jazz-high 21 points. “Still too many turnovers, but I thought we came out well in the second half and built up a lead. And, even though they hit a couple of threes there down the stretch, we were able to hold them off because we had that lead.”

Hayward noted true professionals play all 82 games, regardless of whether or not they are headed to the postseason.

“You’ve got to turn that switch on, regardless of the fact that we’re not in the playoffs,” said Hayward, referring to a player’s professional instincts. “There’s still a lot to play for, and there’s pride on the line. And guys need to get better.”

With the win, Utah moves to 24-52, and Corbin said it’s important for the team to win as many games as possible.

“We have to have everyone focused on what we need to do to have a chance to be successful, and to finish it strong,” he said. “We’re not just trying to get the games over with. We want to try and make sure we continue to develop.”

The Jazz led 93-83 with 3:18 to play in the fourth quarter before the Pelicans cut the score to 95-93 with 22 seconds left in the game. Forward Derrick Favors, who finished with 20 points, said the ability for Utah to close the game is a testament to the team’s fabric.

“It definitely shows a growth,” he said. “We’re learning; we got a little more experience in that area. So, we need to continue doing that.”

Now, as the Jazz prepare to finish out the schedule, starting with a road game at Golden State Sunday, Corbin said Utah can take the positives of the victory and push it forward.

“We’re working to get better, on both ends of the floor,” he said. “Understanding the pace of what we want to play with on the offensive side of the floor; we have to do a better job of getting to our spots quickly. (We have to work on) just making sure the guys understand the focus we have to finish up the season.”

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Jon Oglesby

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