Gregg Popovich stops the match to tell fans not to boo Kawhi Leonard / News - Basketnews.com

Popovich told the fans to stop the booing and have some class. The fans proceeded to boo regardless. Leonard told that the Spurs fans show him love outside the court, while Popovich did not expand to explain his act.

Credit: AP Photo/Darren Abate - Scanpix Credit AP Photo/Darren Abate - Scanpix

A very unusual situation happened Wednesday night in a game between the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Clippers when San Antonio's head coach, Gregg Popovich, took the microphone mid-game.

Player of the Game EFF 25 Kawhi Leonard Points 26 Accuracy 10-17 Rebounds 4 Assists 4

With 3:06 remaining in the second quarter and the Clippers up 48-39, Popovich decided to stop the game while Kawhi Leonard was at the free-throw line. The veteran specialist wanted to address the fans who were booing the former Spurs player.

"Excuse me for a second. Please stop all the booing and let these guys play. Have a little class, it's not who we are. Knock off the booing," Popovich said to the crowd.

Despite the public address, the Spurs fans continued with the booing. Leonard has been booed at the Frost Bank Center, formerly AT&T Center, ever since he left San Antonio back in 2018.

"If I don't have a Spurs jersey on, they're probably going to boo me for the rest of my career. It is what it is," Leonard said after the game. "They're one of the best fans in the league, they're very competitive. Once I step on this basketball court, they're going to show that they're going for the other side. When I'm on the streets or going into restaurants, they show love. It is what it is."

Asked about it after the game, Popovich remained his true self. "Anybody that knows anything about sports, you don't poke the bear," he answered, refusing to clarify his words beyond this statement.

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.