Spurs assistant Becky Hammon becomes the first woman to serve as head coach in an NBA game after Gregg Popovich was ejected during a loss to the Lakers - and LeBron James calls the moment 'a beautiful thing'
Spurs assistant and former WNBA star Becky Hammon became the first woman to serve as a head coach during an NBA game after San Antonio's Gregg Popovich was ejected in the first half of Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
'I did not walk into the arena thinking I would be coaching tonight, but that's the way things go and you roll with it, and I would have liked a different outcome,' Hammon told reporters after the 121-107 defeat. 'Overall, I would have loved to get a win tonight more than anything.'
Popovich was ejected after arguing a non-call on a layup attempt by Spurs star DeMar DeRozan with San Antonio trailing by 11 points in the second quarter.
As he walked off the court, the five-time NBA champion Popovich pointed to Hammon, his assistant since 2014, and told her she was running the show.
'He officially pointed at me. That was it,' said the 43-year-old Hammon. ' said, "You got 'em," and that was it. Very Pop-like.'
Said LeBron James, who turned 36 on Wednesday: 'Obviously she's been paying her dues over the last few years and Coach Pop has given her the opportunity. ... It's a beautiful thing just to hear her barking out calls, barking out sets. She's very passionate about the game. Congrats to her and congrats for our league.'
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Spurs assistant and former WNBA star Becky Hammon became the first woman to serve as a head coach during an NBA game after San Antonio's Gregg Popovich was ejected in the first half of Wednesday's loss to the Los Angeles Lakers
Gregg Popovich (pictured departing Wednesday's game) was ejected after arguing a non-call on a layup attempt by DeMar DeRozan with San Antonio trailing by 11 points in the second quarter. As he walked off the court, the five-time NBA champion Popovich pointed to Hammon, his assistant since 2014, and told her she was running the show. 'He officially pointed at me. That was it. ... That was it,' Hammon said. 'Said, "You got 'em," and that was it. Very Pop-like'
Becky Hammon talks to Spurs star DeMar DeRozan as he steps off the court on Wednesday
Tim Duncan took over a game last season when Popovich was ejected against Portland on November 16, 2019. However, the Hall of Famer opted not to return as assistant this season.
A three-time All-American at Colorado State, Hammon played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA as well as overseas before retiring to join Popovich's staff in 2014.
Hammon did serve as the head coach for San Antonio's summer league team in previous years, and she has recently received some interest for several head-coaching vacancies in the NBA.
'I try not to think of the huge picture and huge aspect of it because it can be overwhelming,' Hammon said. 'I really have had no time to reflect. I have not had time to look at my phone. So, I don't know what's going on outside the AT&T Center.'
Hammon and the Spurs already had a lot to contend with against the defending league champion Lakers.
Hammon coaches Spurs center Jakob Poeltl from the sidelines during Wednesday's liss
James celebrated his 36th birthday with 26 points, eight assists and five rebounds in the Lakers´ third double-digit victory. The teams will complete the two-game set Friday night.
'I trying to get the guys in the right spots,' Hammon said. 'Trying to get them motivated. Obviously, it's a learning situation for all of us, but I would have loved to have walked out there with a win with the guys.'
Hammon took over the team's huddles during timeouts and walked the sideline following Popovich's ejection. Hammon was the first full-time female assistant coach in league history.
'Well deserved,' Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. 'I've talked to her before and she really knows her stuff and obviously she's here for a reason. She's equipped, intelligent (and the) guys have great respect for her. She's going to be a great coach one day.'
A three-time All-American at Colorado State, Hammon played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA as well as overseas before retiring to join Popovich's staff in 2014.
'Even in timeouts with Pop as head coach, she is quick on her feet,' DeRozan said. 'She tells us about defensive assignments, offensive sets we should run. Seeing her in the forefront, it would have definitely been cool to have won for her.'
The Lakers contributed to Popovich's frustration and the Spurs' fortunes didn't get much better after the veteran coach exited.
Birthday boy LeBron James poured in 26 points during the win, and later called Hammon's accomplishment 'a beautiful thing' for both the longtime Spurs assistant and the NBA
Hammon has coached under Popovich , a five-time champion, since 2014
Dennis Schroder had 21 points, Anthony Davis had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Wesley Matthews was 6 for 6 on 3-pointers in scoring 18 points off the bench.
The Spurs opened with a 9-2 run, including an uncontested drive through the lane by Keldon Johnson for a two-handed slam. The Lakers responded with an 11-0 run that prompted a timeout by Popovich prior to his ejection.
Although she wanted the win, Hammon did not dismiss her accomplishment, and said she was glad it took place in San Antonio, where she has played in the WNBA and served as an assistant coach.
'Obviously, it's a big deal,' Hammon said after the game. 'It's a substantial moment. I've been a part of this organization, I got traded here in 2007, so I've been in San Antonio and part of the Spurs and sports organization with the Stars and everything for 13 years.
'So I have a lot of time invested, and they have a lot of time invested in me, in building me and getting me better.'
Despite the historic moment, Hammon still had a frustrating night of work during the loss