San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich took matters into his own hands during Wednesday night's game against the Los Angeles Clippers. As former Spurs player Kawhi Leonard was at the free-throw line, he faced jeers and boos from the San Antonio crowd. In response, Popovich grabbed the microphone and pleaded with the fans to stop the booing.

Popovich's plea, however, did not have the desired effect. The crowd's mixed reaction only seemed to intensify the boos directed at Leonard and the Clippers players throughout the game.

Leonard, who spent seven seasons with the Spurs and helped lead them to an NBA championship in 2014, was traded to the Toronto Raptors in 2018. He then joined the Clippers in free agency in 2019. Despite his contributions to the Spurs, it seems that the fans have not forgiven him for his trade demand.

After the game, Popovich expressed his affection for Leonard, stating that anyone who knows anything about sports knows not to "poke the bear."

While Popovich's efforts may not have swayed the crowd, it is clear that he still holds a special place for his former star player, even if the fans do not.