Jeff McDonald of the San Antonio Express-News reports:
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Gregg Popovich has moved Jefferson — a starter in 548 of 623 career games — to the bench, partially in hopes of producing a long-awaited spark from his team’s defining offseason acquisition.
Jefferson has appeared as a reserve in both the Spurs’ games since the All-Star break, replaced at forward by Keith Bogans in a lineup shuffle that also moved Matt Bonner to center in place of Antonio McDyess.
The results for Jefferson have been mixed so far — one solid game in a victory over Indiana, one inconsequential outing in a 106-94 loss at Philadelphia.
Jefferson has accepted his new role, even if it isn’t his preference.
“I prefer to start, but I prefer winning more,” said Jefferson, who had a streak of 232 consecutive starts snapped by injury Jan. 18 in New Orleans. “I trust Pop and what he’s trying to do.”
