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16 SPORTS Friday, 24 November 2023

Gregg Popovich Addresses Spurs Fans’

Booing During Kawhi Leonard’s Free Throws

A surprising mid-game intervention, San Antonio Spurs
coach Gregg Popovich took to the microphone at Frost Bank

Center on Wednesday night, urging fans to stop booing
former Spurs star Kawhi Leonard during free throws. The
plea came during the second quarter of the game, which
the Spurs eventually lost to the Los Angeles Clippers with a

score of 109-102.

As Leonard was at the free-throw line, Popovich expressed
his displeasure with the crowd’s behavior, saying, “Excuse

me for a second. 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 direct appeal, the boos

persisted after a brief moment of clapping from some fans.

Kawhi Leonard, who began his career with the Spurs in 2011,
spent seven seasons with the team and played a pivotal role

in securing an NBA title in 2014. However, his departure
from San Antonio in 2018 was marked by controversy, with
a lingering quad injury leading to a strained relationship
with the organization. Leonard was subsequently traded to

the Toronto Raptors, where he won an NBA championship,
and he has been with the Clippers since 2019.

The continuous boos directed at Leonard during his visits

to San Antonio have become a familiar occurrence since his
departure. Popovich’s attempt to quell the crowd’s negative
response highlights the lasting impact of Leonard’s exit on
Spurs fans.

Following the game, Leonard acknowledged the persistent
booing, stating, “If I don’t have a Spurs jersey on, they’re
probably going to boo me the rest of my career.” Despite the

on-court rivalry, Leonard noted that Spurs fans show him
love outside the basketball arena.

In terms of gameplay, Leonard led the Clippers with 26

points, four rebounds, and four assists during the match
against the Spurs.
Paul George contributed 24 points and eight rebounds, while
James Harden added 16 points and nine assists, securing

the Clippers’ seven-point victory.