Boban Marjanović gave the people what they wanted on Sunday.
And what they wanted was free chicken.
With the Rockets up 105-97 against the Clippers with less than five minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Marjanović could hear the pleas from fans inside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, who were hungry to see if he would miss consecutive free throws that, as part of a promotion, would result in free Chick-fil-A sandwiches for those in attendance.
Perhaps sensing the impending win — which was ultimately a 116-105 victory — Marjanović missed the first shot and then, as the crowd started chanting about the chicken, he turned to the fans and seemed to indicate that he would help them out.
The big man then stepped to the foul line and missed the second free throw before pointing his finger up as an acknowledgment.
“He gave them chicken! He’s a man of the people!” one broadcaster screamed on Space City Home Network, the Rockets’ TV home.
The crowd erupted as Marjanović got back to play defense.
Marjanović had spent time with the Clippers from 2018-19 and he clearly still has some love for the City of Angels.
Marjanović finished the game with 13 points and eight rebounds.
He’s appeared in just 14 games for Houston all season, with the Rockets finishing the year at 41-41.
Although they missed the playoffs, this year marked their best record since 2019-20.
The Clippers, who ended the regular season at 51-31, will face the fifth-seeded Mavericks in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
