Jazz Top Short Handed Pelicans

Playing without Anthony Davis, Jrue Holiday and Ryan Anderson, the New Orleans Pelicans (27-25) couldn't overcome the Utah Jazz (19-33) on Monday night at the Smoothie King Center, falling 100-96.

The close loss is gut wrenching for a squad fighting for the final playoff spot in the loaded Western Conference. Despite a hot shooting night from Eric Gordon and Luke Babbitt, the Pelicans couldn't overcome turnovers and second chance points.

"We scored enough, we just didn't have enough attempts," explained New Orleans coach Monty Williams. "We had 79 attempts, they had 93. Our game plan discipline wasn't where it needed to be tonight....Bad execution and throwing the ball away."

Utah earned 24 points off 15 Pelican turnovers, including a stretch in the third quarter of 5 consecutive turnovers.

After an impressive first half, the Pelicans gained a 14 point lead early in the third quarter before things fell apart.

"We had a chance to win," said Williams. "Our third quarter effort was as poor as its been all year. Execution. Defensively we were bad."

The Jazz won the third quarter 29-15, but the Pelicans did stage a comeback in the 4th quarter, briefly gaining a one point lead in the final minutes.

"Give them credit," said Williams of the Jazz. "Everytime we made a mistake they pushed it down our throat and got a layup or a three."

The loss negates a strong scoring performance from Gordon, who finished with 31 points, including 6 three pointers. Reserve Luke Babbitt added 15 off the bench.

Utah was led by Gordon Hayward, who scored 25 of his game-high 32 in the second half.

With Davis out, an ironic stat was a season-high 17 blocks by the Pelicans. Omer asik tied his career-high with 5, while Dante Cunningham set a career-high with 5.

The loss puts the Pelicans 1.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for 8th place in the West.

New Orleans has one more game to improve their standing before the All-Star break this Wednesday.

"We've got to get right at practice tomorrow, watch some film, and prepare ourselves for a good Indiana team," said Williams.

Tip-off Wedneday night versus the Pacers is set for 7:00.