DeRozan drops 34, but Spurs still fall

The New Orleans Pelicans miss point guard Elfrid Payton's ball handling and defense.

But they are getting a scoring boost on the perimeter from E'Twaun Moore's scoring.

Payton has missed the last nine games because of a sprained ankle. Coach Alvin Gentry said Payton could have played in a 107-100 loss at Minnesota on Wednesday night, but he held him out because Payton wasn't 100 percent.

The point guard could be back in the lineup when New Orleans hosts the New York Knicks on Friday night.

With or without Payton, New Orleans hopes Moore can keep up the pace he has been setting. He scored 31 points against the Timberwolves, two nights after he had 30 in a 126-110 victory at Toronto. In the last…