Kawhi Leonard reveals contradicting nature of ‘booing’ Spurs fans

Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard revealed despite the booing during games, the Spurs fans show love to him off the court.

Kawhi Leonard reveals contradicting nature of ‘booing’ Spurs fans

Kawhi Leonard talked about the Spurs fans booing him

Kawhi Leonard and the San Antonio Spurs are a perfect example of what happens when a player willingly leaves his team at his peak. Leonard was in his prime with the Spurs winning his first championship. The forward and the city shared a wonderful bond before things went south. The Klaw decided to leave the team in 2018 to join the Toronto Raptors. Since then, the city has held grudges towards the star. But somehow Leonard understood the city’s stance after their contradictory treatment.

Each time Kawhi Leonard has entered the AT&T Center Arena, the San Antonio crowd has taunted the star. Last night was also nothing different. After the injury, as the Clippers’ star was in the starting lineup against the Spurs, the audience booed during his introduction. Later in the post-game interview, Leonard showed acceptance of the situation but also revealed the positive treatment by fans off the court.

YouTube video

It’s just because the player I am. And what I’ve done here. So it’s a little pain in the heart still. They also fans. It’s still love in the city wherever I go. But obviously when I put on that different jersey, they have a great fanbase, so they’re gonna stick to the Spurs and I’m okay with that.

Kawhi Leonard said

Leonard also stated that the taunting does not affect the game or his performance. The two-time champion approaches each game with the same aggressive mentality. The mindset certainly reflected in Leonard’s performance as he dropped 27 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in the Clippers win. Despite beating his former team, the 33-year-old seems to understand the San Antonio fans’ perspective.

FS Video

The city’s treatment of Leonard is not a new story. The audience has trolled the star before and has also generated a similar response from the Clippers forward. However, the Texans once took things too far. In 2023, during another Clippers-Spurs matchup, HC Gregg Popovich had to grab the mic mid-game to stop the crowd. As Pop was absent on Wednesday, the audience booed Leonard again.

RELATED
Shai-Gilgeous Alexander leaves $44 million teammate stunned with performance against Warriors
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren

Kawhi Leonard signed his Spurs jerseys after former fans booed him

Two years ago, after Pop spoke to stop spectators’ booing, Leonard was still firm about his feelings towards the city. After the game, the 6’7″ forward accepted that the fans might boo him for the rest of his career. Leonard also admitted the city shows love to him in the streets and restaurants. The LA’s forward called the fans ‘best’ in the league.

The Spurs and Clippers matchup was an emotional roller-coaster for the San Antonio fans. Firstly, the crowd had to digest a big loss at home against their former player. Along with that, their star Victor Wembanyama was shoved by the LA’s Ivica Zubac. Regardless of the ups and downs, nostalgic fans were waiting for Leonard after the game. The former DPOY signed some of his old jerseys for the crowd before leaving the court.

RELATED
Michael Jordan’s snack-stealing habit comes to light in hilarious Wayans family admission
Michael Jordan, Damon Wayans Jr.

Leonard’s gesture after his season-high performance caught the internet’s attention. Netizens were reminded of the star’s incredible time with the team. Leonard has numerous firsts with the Spurs including a championship, a finals MVP as well as Rookie of the Year. The LA-born player also won his DPOY awards with the Spurs.