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Pelicans shootaround update presented by HUB International: Defense looks to build on improved second half in San Antonio

OKLAHOMA CITY – After being a step behind San Antonio’s offense for much of the first half Saturday, New Orleans (4-5) looked significantly more aggressive in the second, trapping the Spurs and forcing turnovers. A more frenetic style of defense helped the Pelicans outplay the Spurs for stretches of the final 24 minutes, something they hope can carry over into Monday’s road-trip finale at Oklahoma City (4-4).

“We just picked it up,” said Pelicans forward Wesley Johnson, whose defense was one reason he made his first start of the regular season Saturday.

“Everyone was flying around and covering for each other.