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East Rutherford, N.J. • Yes, it really hurts. And, yes, it is a little funny.

Jazz center Al Jefferson said Tuesday that his bruised backside was even more sore than it was Monday, when he fell hard to the court following a dunk against the Washington Wizards.

Jefferson predicted during a postgame interview after Utah's disappointing loss that he would be dealing with serious pain Tuesday.

He was right.

"It's hurts. It's sore. Probably worse by the minute," said Jefferson, prior to practice at the New Jersey Nets' workout facility.

Big Al was able to display a slight smile, though, when discussing the humor-related part of his injury. And teammate C.J. Miles could not help but point out that, while Jefferson's bruise was surely painful, it was also about to become a running joke.

"I got bruised buttocks," said a straight-faced Jefferson.

Cue laughter.

Breathing better

Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (sinus infection) also practiced Tuesday after being inactive during the loss to the Wizards.

Hayward said that his breathing had improved — he struggled to take in air when he awoke Monday — and he was no longer coughing up blood. He still spoke with a low, raspy voice, though.

Paper tiger

The Wizards do not look very good on paper and neither do the Nets. But that did not prevent Utah from unexpectedly falling to Washington. And Jazz coach Jerry Sloan cautioned that New Jersey's 10-31 record has no bearing on a game tonight that Utah wants to put in the victory column with a tough contest Friday against Boston (31-9) looming.

"[The Nets have] got very good players on their team," Sloan said. "It's amazing: Some teams struggle a little bit and get into a situation where they struggle. But they just have to fight through it, just like we do."

Sloan is particularly impressed with New Jersey third-year center Brook Lopez, who is averaging a career-high 19 points along with 5.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.

"I was amazed whenever I saw him for the first time — how agile he was and how he does play around the basket," Sloan said. "Plus, he can shoot the ball out on the floor. He's a very good player."

bsmith@sltrib.comTwitter: @tribjazz