San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich made headlines on Wednesday night when he took the mic mid-game to ask Spurs fans to stop booing Kawhi Leonard, who was playing for the Los Angeles Clippers. With 3:06 remaining in the second quarter, and Leonard standing at the free throw line, Popovich walked over to the scorer’s table and assumed control of the public address system. “Excuse me for a second,” Popovich said. “Can we stop all the booing and let these guys play. It’s got no class, it’s not who we are. Knock off the booing.”
Unfortunately, Popovich’s plea did not work, as the boos only intensified, with the Spurs fans showing their displeasure with Leonard back in town.
Leonard spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Spurs, winning an NBA Finals MVP in 2014. However, his departure from the team was marred by a dispute with the medical staff and a subsequent trade to the Toronto Raptors. This was Leonard’s 14th game back in San Antonio, and he has been booed there before, but it is still unclear why Popovich decided to make a public statement this time.
Despite the booing, Leonard did not seem fazed, stating, “If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on, they are probably going to boo me for the rest of my career,” Leonard said. “It is what it is. They are some of the best fans in the league and they are very competitive. Once I stand on this basketball court out here, they are going to show that they are going for the other side. When I’m on the streets or going into a restaurant, they show love. It is what it is.”
The incident has sparked controversy and conversation among NBA fans, with many expressing surprise at Popovich’s actions and the intensity of the booing towards Leonard. Despite the drama, the Los Angeles Clippers were able to secure the win against the Spurs, with Leonard contributing 28 points to the victory.