San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich chastised dwelling followers who jeered former participant Kawhi Leonard in the course of the 109-102 defeat to LA Clippers.
Leonard left the Spurs in 2018 and was booed by their followers as he lined as much as take free throws within the second quarter.
Popovich grabbed a courtside microphone to make a spikey announcement.
“Excuse me for a second, please cease all of the booing. Let these guys play, and present a little bit class, it is not who we’re. Knock off the booing,” he mentioned
Leonard performed a starring function within the Spurs’ NBA Finals victory in 2014, being named Most Worthwhile Participant within the 4-1 collection victory over the Miami Warmth.
Nevertheless, he requested to be traded 4 years later throughout his rehabilitation from damage.
Popovich solely briefly touched on the topic when he spoke to reporters after the match and mentioned he didn’t need Leonard to be fired up by the gang.
Leonard ended up prime scorer for the Clippers within the match on the Frost Financial institution Heart with 26 factors, together with scoring free throws both facet of Popovich’s request over the general public handle system.
“You do not poke the bear. Anyone who is aware of something about sports activities is aware of you do not poke the bear,” Popovich added.
Leonard mentioned he was not shocked by the response of the Spurs followers, who he acknowledged have been a few of the most passionate supporters he had encountered.
“If I haven’t got a Spurs jersey on they’re most likely gonna boo me for the remainder of my profession,” he mentioned.
“It’s what it’s. They’re the most effective fanbases within the league and so they’re aggressive, and after I step on this basketball courtroom I can hear that.
“Once I’m on the streets or going into eating places they present love.”