 "'Stop all the booing!': Gregg Popovich lets rip as Spurs fans target Kawhi Leonard")
San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich staged an impromptu mid-game intervention as disgruntled fans targeted former player Kawhi Leonard during their home game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Leonard, who made an acrimonious departure from Spurs in 2018, was subjected to loud booing as he readied to take free throws near the end of the second quarter. The heckling drew the ire of San Antonio’s veteran coach Popovich, who grabbed a courtside microphone to address the home fans.
“Excuse me for a second, please stop all the booing, let these guys play, and show a little class,” Popovich barked. “It’s not who we are. Knock off the booing.” After the game, Popovich was reluctant to expand on the incident. He said that he did not want Leonard to be motivated by the detractors in the stands. “You don’t poke the bear,” Popovich said. “Anybody who knows anything about sports knows you don’t poke the bear. That’s my answer.”
Leonard later brushed off the jeering, saying it was to be expected. “If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on they’re probably gonna boo me for the rest of my career,” he told reporters after the game. “It is what it is. They’re one of the best fanbases in the league and they’re competitive, and when I step on this basketball court I can hear that. “When I’m on the streets or going into restaurants they show love.” Leonard began his career with San Antonio after being traded to the Texas club immediately after being picked by Indiana with the 15th selection in the 2011 draft. In 2014 he played a key role in San Antonio’s NBA Finals victory, being named Most Valuable Player in the 4-1 series victory over the Miami Heat. His stay in San Antonio came to an unhappy end in 2018 when he demanded a trade amid differences over how to manage his injury rehabilitation. He subsequently joined the Toronto Raptors, leading them to his second NBA championship and Finals MVP in the 2018-2019 season. (with inputs from AFP)