SAN ANTONIO – Becky Hammon became the first woman to lead a team in NBA history, taking over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers after Gregg Popovich was sent off in the first half.
Popovich was sent off by officer Tony Brown with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter. Popovich shouted at Brown and entered the court after a non-call in a DeMar DeRozan layup attempt and a subsequent rebound attempt by Drew Eubanks. Popovich was applauded on leaving the court by several members of the team’s family who were present at the AT&T Center.
Hammon took control of the team during the timeouts and walked the sideline after Popovich’s expulsion. Hammon was the first full-time technical assistant in the league’s history.
Tim Duncan took over last season when Popovich was sent off against Portland on November 16, 2019. The Hall of Fame has chosen not to return as an assistant this season.
Three-time All-American at Colorado State, Hammon played for New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars at the WNBA, as well as abroad, before retiring to join Popovich’s team in 2014.