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SALT LAKE CITY - Gordon Hayward knows the Utah Jazz have their best chance to win when they play together and share the ball. Victories havent come easy for the Jazz during this rebuilding season. "We realize were not there yet individually, where we can just play for ourselves and still win. We need to play as a team," Hayward said. Alec Burks and Hayward each scored 21 points and the Jazz held off the New Orleans Pelicans 100-96 on Friday night to snap a five-game skid. The Jazz had 22 assists on their 33 baskets and several other unselfish passes led to 35 attempts from the free throw line. Burks had 12 of his points in the fourth quarter and Hayward added eight final-period points. The Jazz needed all of it to overcome the reeling Pelicans, who played without Anthony Davis down the stretch due to back spasms. "Alec attacks the rim and hes got to be one of the best in the league at driving to the basket," Hayward said. "He finishes so well that he scores or gets fouls almost every time." Two exceptions occurred in the waning moments — swarming Pelicans forced Burks to travel and then Greg Stiemsma blocked Burks layup. Anthony Morrow, who had a game-high 26 points, hit a 3-pointer to draw New Orleans within 95-93. Hayward made one of two free throws and the Pelicans drew a play that produced a wide-open shot for Darius Miller that rimmed out. "Thats exactly what we wanted. We had Tyreke (Evans) with the ball looking to find a shooter and he found Darius. It was the best look we could ask for, and it just didnt go in," Brian Roberts said. Roberts made another 3 with 1.7 seconds remaining, but Hayward and Burks each made two more free throws to clinch the victory for the Jazz. Burks made all 13 of his free throw attempts. Derrick Favours had 20 points and nine rebounds for the Jazz. He thrived without Davis playing at full strength. "There was more room in the post," Favors said. "We had people move around instead of standing still, so it was a big help." Roberts had 18 points while Davis finished with eight points and six rebounds in 23 minutes as the Pelicans dropped their fourth straight following a five-game win streak. The game was tight throughout, but the Jazz extended their lead to double digits near the end of the third when Hayward hit a 3 and followed with another jumper to make it 73-63. But the Pelicans responded despite playing an unusual lineup that was sitting at the end of the bench earlier this season before the team was decimated with injuries. Eric Gordon, Ryan Anderson, Jrue Holiday and Jason Smith — a group that averages nearly 60 points a game combined — all are sidelined. New Orleans turned to Morrow, who trimmed the Jazz advantage to 82-79 on a jumper in the lane with 7:16 to play. Morrow also had a dozen points in the fourth quarter on 5-for-5 shooting to give the Pelicans a chance. The guard has scored at least 17 points in five of his past six games. The Jazz again built the lead to 10 points when Hayward made a pair of free throws. The Pelicans then made their last-gasp comeback that fell just short. On one play in the third quarter, Davis blocked Favours shot and then saved the ball from going out of bounds. But as the two big men pursued the ball, Davis was sandwiched between Favours and the fans courtside. Davis gingerly ran back on offence and soon after left the court to be evaluated. The training staff confirmed Davis had back spasms but he returned to play in the fourth quarter, but wasnt on the court when the Pelicans made their final push. "He wanted to play and I just said no. Were not in the playoffs. Every game for me is a championship game, but Ive got to be smart," Pelicans coach Monty Williams said. Davis played only 11 minutes against the Nuggets and his absence was felt as the Pelicans allowed season highs in points (137) and field goal shooting (56.5). After three days rest at home, the Jazz also took advantage with 51.6 per cent shooting. "We talked about being able to finish games and we still have the energy to compete. Its been a long year for these guys and weve been through a lot," Utah coach Ty Corbin said. Notes: Stiemsma got a technical foul for arguing with the officials midway through the third period. ... The Pelicans have lost 12 of 15 on the road. ... After a long slump, Hayward is averaging 21 points a game in his past six. Saucony Shoes Clearance . Spencer Abbott and Trevor Smith scored third-period goals erasing a 2-1 deficit giving Toronto a late 3-2 lead. Cheap Saucony Shoes China ." The tournament was set to be held Sept. 15-21 and would have been the first ATP tournament held in Israel since 1996. But amid Israels military campaign against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip, ATP President Chris Kermode said "we do not feel we can proceed as planned given the situation in the region. http://www.cheapsaucony.net/. -- The Oakland Athletics and free agent right-hander Bartolo Colon have agreed to terms on a US$2 million, one-year contract, bolstering their depleted starting rotation. Cheap Saucony . -- Ricky Romeros comeback bid hit another road bump Tuesday in an ugly 18-4 Jays loss to a Detroit Tigers split squad. Saucony Shoes From China . -- Pelicans coach Monty Williams does not expect guard Eric Gordon to play in any of New Orleans final five games this season.CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Al Jefferson is doubtful for Game 4 Monday night against the Miami Heat due to a lingering foot injury, according to Bobcats coach Steve Clifford. Jefferson, the teams leading scorer and rebounder, has been hobbled since straining the plantar fascia in his left foot in the first quarter of Game 1. He didnt participate in Mondays shoot around. "Hes not close to where he was for the last two games," Clifford said. Clifford said in Game 3 Jeffersons foot got worse as the game progressed and having only one day off in between games didnt help his chances of being ready for Game 4. Jefferson hobbled noticeably Monday as he left the gym after watching teammates shoot around in practice. Jefferson said he feels as if hes "walking on needles." "I wouldnt wish this pain on anyone," Jefferson said. "Its the worst pain Ive ever dealt with in my career." Jefferson wouldnt rule himself out, saying hes taking things hour-to-hour. "Im seeing how its going to feel and go from there," Jefferson said. Miami leads the series 3-0 and can close out the Bobcats with a win Monday night in Charlotte. Clifford said Bismack Biyombo is expected to start for Jefferson. That represents a major dropoff in production, particularly from the offensive end. Jefferson averaged 21.8 points and 10.8 rebound per game in his first season with the Bobcats, while Biyombo has never scored more than 14 points in a game..dddddddddddd. Biyombo has only played 15 minutes in the playoffs and scored one point. Jeffersons teammates said they respect his ability to get on the floor the past two games. "He has given us all he can," point guard Kemba Walker said. "And I think down to a man we appreciate his effort. Hes been nothing but great for us. He has been playing really well and hes not 100 per cent." Said Clifford: "I know how badly Al wants to play. The most upset person about this is him. So its frustrating, but again its part of pro sports." Clifford said the Bobcats will play more five-man basketball using pick and rolls, rather than relying on Jefferson in the low post. Walker, the teams second-leading scorer, will be relied upon to help pick up the slack in Jeffersons absence. "We have to find better ways for Kemba to be on the attack," Clifford said. Jefferson said its frustrating that he worked so hard all season only to injure the foot in the first quarter of the playoffs. "This season has been a great season for all of the things we have done so far," Jefferson said. "We are going into the game tonight trying to win... Regardless of what may happen it has been a wonderful season and guys have a lot to be proud of for the things we have done this season. But we cant take any steps back. We have to continue to build and get better." Jefferson said he wont need surgery after the season. ' ' '