Kawhi Leonard on Spurs Fans Booing Him: ‘It’s Just Because of the Player I Am’

The Los Angeles Clippers secured a hard-fought 128-116 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday night, marking Kawhi Leonard’s ninth game back in San Antonio since his departure nearly a decade ago. In his ninth game of the season, Leonard delivered one of his best performances, finishing with 27 points, six rebounds, and seven assists.

The Clippers currently sit sixth in the Western Conference, and their success has been a collective effort. Four players finished with 20 or more points, showcasing the team’s depth. James Harden’s double-double added balance to the offense, as he finished with 21 points, 11 assists, and three steals.

Ivica Zubac’s dominance in the paint was a key factor, as his 21 points and 22 rebounds helped keep Victor Wembanyama in check. Meanwhile, Norman Powell’s 27 points provided a crucial scoring boost, leading the Clippers to a fourth-quarter surge that the Spurs couldn’t recover from.

After the game, Kawhi Leonard addressed the San Antonio fans’ boos, acknowledging their reaction to his past fallout with the organization. However, he remained unfazed.

“It’s just because of the player I am and what I’ve done here. So it’s a little pain in the heart still,” Leonard said postgame. “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.”

With the All-Star break approaching, the Clippers hope to climb the standings and build momentum for a deep playoff run. Meanwhile, San Antonio’s future remains bright as Wembanyama continues to develop into a franchise cornerstone.