Gregg Popovich gets on mic as Spurs fans boo Kawhi Leonard

SAN ANTONIO — The atmosphere at the Frost Bank Center was electric during Wednesday night’s game between the Spurs and the LA Clippers. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich made a bold move when he took the PA announcer’s microphone and urged the home fans to cease their booing while former Spurs star Kawhi Leonard was at the free-throw line.

Leonard was taking his free throws with 3:06 left in the second quarter. When the crowd’s boos began to echo through the arena, Popovich briefly conversed with crew chief Tyler Ford before making his way over to the scorer’s table.

“Excuse me for a second,” Popovich addressed the crowd. “Can we stop all the booing and let these guys play? Have a little class. That’s not who we are. Knock off the booing.”

However, instead of heeding Popovich’s words, the boos only grew louder and more fervent. The fans not only directed their disapproval at Leonard whenever he had possession of the ball, but also at any other Clippers player, particularly when James Harden visited the free-throw line.

Leonard’s performance was remarkable, finishing with a game-high 26 points, along with four rebounds, four assists, and two steals. The Clippers emerged victorious with a 109-102 score, claiming their seventh consecutive win against the Spurs.

Since Leonard’s departure from the Spurs in 2018, he has consistently faced a chorus of boos whenever he returns to San Antonio, a customary reception for players who have left franchises under acrimonious circumstances.

The Clippers had also triumphed over the Spurs on Monday night, and the boos for Leonard were just as intense throughout the game.