LOS ANGELES (AFP) — San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich staged an impromptu mid-game intervention Wednesday as disgruntled Spurs fans targeted former player Kawhi Leonard during the team's home game against the Los Angeles Clippers in the National Basketball Association.

Clippers ace Leonard, who made an acrimonious departure from San Antonio in 2018, was subjected to loud booing as he lined up to take free throws near the end of the second quarter in San Antonio.

The heckling drew the ire of San Antonio's famously gruff veteran coach Popovich, who grabbed a courtside microphone to address the home fans directly.

"Excuse me for a second, please stop all the booing, let these guys play, and show a little class," Popovich barked.