SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Becky Hammon would have preferred a victory over history after becoming the first woman to coach an NBA team.
The assistant coach took over the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter after coach Gregg Popovich was eliminated in a 121-107 loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
“I try not to think about the huge image and its huge appearance, because it can be overwhelming,” Hammon said. “I really didn’t have time to think. I didn’t have time to look at the phone. So I don’t know what’s going on outside of the AT&T Center. “
Hammon and Spurs already had a lot to fight against the champion in the Lakers league.
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 set of two games on Friday night.
“I was trying to get the boys to the right places,” Hammon said. “Trying to motivate them. Obviously, it’s a learning situation for all of us, but I wish I had gone out there with a victory with the boys. “
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.
As he left the yard to applaud from several members of the team’s family, Popovich pointed to Hammon and received a brief message.
“You took them,” Hammon said. “Did he see? He doesn’t treat us any differently than you guys.”
LeBron James said: “Obviously he has paid his dues in recent years and coach Pop has given him the opportunity. … It’s a nice thing to just hear her barking, barking on set. She is very passionate about the game. Congratulations to her and congratulations to our league. ”
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.
“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 is equipped, smart (and the boys) respect her a lot. One day he will be an excellent coach “.
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.
“Even in her spare time, with Pop as head coach, she is fast on her feet,” DeRozan said. “It tells us about defensive missions, offensive sets that we should execute. Seeing her in the foreground would certainly have been cool to have won for her. “
The Lakers contributed to Popovich’s frustration, and Spurs’ fortunes did not improve much after the veteran coach left.
Dennis Schroder had 21 points, Anthony Davis had 20 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Wesley Matthews was 6 for 6 to 3 points in 18 points on the bench.
Spurs opened the scoring with a 9-2 run, including an undisputed run through the band by Keldon Johnson for a two-handed shot. The Lakers responded with an 11-0 run that promoted a Popovich timeout.
The Lakers took the first double-digit lead at 35-25 on Kyle Kuzma’s 3-pointer, with 1:14 left in the first quarter.
Dejounte Murray recorded 29 career points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
“At the end of the day, it means nothing, we lost,” Murray said.
DeRozan added 23 for Spurs, who lost the second in a row after opening the season with two straight wins.
tips
Lakers: PG Alex Caruso missed the game for “health and safety protocols”, according to the league’s mandate. Lakers coach Frank Vogel did not detail Caruso’s status. … James was listed as questionable after he sprained his left ankle in the Lakers’ 115-107 loss to Portland on Monday. James played 35 minutes against Spurs after scoring 29 points in 36 minutes against the Trail Blazers.
Spurs: Popovich said Spurs will monitor Aldridge’s knee pain on a daily basis. … Tim Duncan took over last season when Popovich was sent off against Portland on November 16, 2019. Hall of Famer chose not to return as an assistant this season.