San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich, known for his candidness, broke from the norm during Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers. Mid-game, he seized the mic to urge Spurs fans to cease booing Kawhi Leonard, emphasizing that in sports, “you don’t poke the bear.”
Amid Leonard’s free-throw attempt with 3:06 left in the second quarter, Popovich approached the scorer’s table and commandeered the public address system. “Excuse me for a second,” he interjected. “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.”
Despite Popovich’s plea, the boos only amplified, reflecting the crowd’s displeasure with Leonard’s return to San Antonio. Clippers player Paul George acknowledged the moment, praising Popovich for supporting Kawhi amidst the fan reaction.
Leonard, who spent seven successful seasons with the Spurs, became somewhat of a villain in San Antonio after an unconventional departure. His last season with the team was marred by a quadriceps injury, coupled with disputes concerning his return timeline, eventually leading to his trade to the Toronto Raptors.
The game marked Leonard’s 14th return to San Antonio, where he’s faced boos previously. Popovich’s unorthodox intervention puzzled many, including players, prompting speculation about its rationale.
In response to the boos, Leonard remained unfazed, recognizing that without a Spurs jersey, he might face continued opposition from the crowd. Despite the on-court reception, he acknowledged the fans’ competitiveness and expressed appreciation for their support outside the basketball arena.
Comments