SAN ANTONIO – Becky Hammon became the first woman to lead a team in NBA history, taking on the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers after the expulsion of Gregg Popovich in the first half.
Popovich was sent off by official Tony Brown, with 3:56 left in the second quarter. Popovich shouted at Brown and entered the yard following a non-attempt to try to depose DeMar DeRozan and a subsequent attempt to recover Drew Eubanks. Popovich was applauded as he left the courtyard by several family members of the team attending the AT&T Center.
Hammon took over the team’s grips during the breaks and went on the sidelines following Popovich’s expulsion. Hammon was the first full-time assistant coach in league history.
Tim Duncan took over last season when Popovich was sent off against Portland on November 16, 2019. Hall of Famer has chosen not to return as an assistant this season.
Three-time All-American at Colorado State, Hammon played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA, as well as abroad before retiring to join Popovich’s team in 2014.