Gregg Popovich: Can you guys stop booing and let these guys play?

23/11/2023 08:50
Gregg Popovich: Can you guys stop booing and let these guys play?

Kawhi Leonard's night, Gregg Popovich's gesture. Inevitably, the challenge between the Clippers and the Spurs makes people talk not only for what happened on the court

Kawhi Leonard’s night, Gregg Popovich’s gesture. Inevitably, the challenge between the Clippers and the Spurs makes people talk not only for what happened on the court.

The fans of San Antonio booed Kawhi, author of 26 points, and singular is the episode that happens in the end of the first half, when Kawhi goes to the lunette. Gregg Popovich approached the table, grabbed the announcer’s microphone and scolded the Frost Bank Center crowd.

“Excuse me for a second,” Popovich said, quieting the crowd. “Can you guys stop booing and let these guys play? A little bit of class. We’re not these guys. Enough with the booing.”

After an initial stunned silence, the crowd started booing even louder. But Leonard did not tremble from the lunette: “I was just focused on the moment, trying to score my free throws,” Leonard commented.

Leonard, who was named MVP of the NBA Finals when the Spurs won their last title in 2014, said he had no hard feelings towards the team’s fans.

“If I didn’t wear a Spurs jersey, they’d probably boo me for the rest of my career,” Leonard said. “That’s just the way it goes. They’re some of the best fans in the league and they’re very competitive. Once I step on this court, they will show their support for the other team. When I’m on the street or walk into a restaurant, they show affection. That’s the way it is.”

When asked why he addressed the crowd, Popovich said, “Well, I think anyone who understands anything about sports knows not to provoke the bear.”

When asked if he meant that he did not want the booing to motivate Leonard, Popovich repeated his answer: ‘I spoke in English. I just told you, anyone who understands anything about sports knows that you should not provoke the bear. That’s my answer.”

Clippers coach Tyronn Lue agreed: “I agree with whatever Pop does. I’m all for it.”

Despite Popovich’s plea, the booing continued every time Leonard touched the ball and extended to James Harden and other Clippers players.

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