"Gregg Popovich had a chat with Richard Jefferson before the Spurs played the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night at the AT&T Center.

What Popovich said was music to Jefferson's ears: For the time being, at least, his playing time would come strictly at the small forward position.

Jefferson's response was just what Popovich wanted: More aggression, especially going after missed shots. Jefferson grabbed nine rebounds, two shy of his season high.

"I thought he was very aggressive in just about everything he did," Popovich said. "That's what we want him to do all the time, because when you're aggressive like that, and when he goes to the boards, it makes us a better team."

Aggression on the boards was one reason Jefferson played the entire fourth quarter. He was Popovich's starting power forward in Sunday's loss at Detroit, his only start in the past four games, but admits he feels more comfortable at small forward.

"Pop and I had a quick conversation," Jefferson said. "He said he wanted to play me more back at the three. It's a little difficult out there at times learning the three and running the four a lot, which I have done quite a bit.

"I think I'm a little more comfortable at the three spot, and tonight I wanted to be aggressive out there. It's a little bit easier to see the seams and where the drives are going to come from.""