Andrew Buller-Russ
Hall of Fame San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is one of the most respected individuals associated with the game of basketball today. While there’s excitement brimming out of Frost Bank Center thanks to the emergence of Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs have their fair share of struggles amidst their 3-11 start to the season.
That frustration carried into Wednesday night when the Los Angeles Clippers visited the Spurs, with a familiar face returning to San Antonio in the form of Kawhi Leonard. The Clips got off to a 26-14 start, looking like their nine-game losing streak would continue for another night.
Yet, it likely didn’t help that the thousands of fans in attendance had to watch Leonard thriving on both ends of the floor, getting in passing lanes, grabbing rebounds, and of course, scoring points. Only, each time the former Spurs Finals MVP touched the ball, fans erupted in boos.
Coach Popovich didn’t like that.
According to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez, the booing only intensified for Leonard’s second shot from the charity stripe. He also made both attempts, showing the noise doesn’t affect him, at least not today.
Leonard has made 3-of-7 attempts from the field, and 1-of-2-shots from distance for nine points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal in 17 minutes of play heading into halftime with the Spurs trailing 54-48.
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