At the end of the second quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Lakers, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was sent off after receiving two technical fouls to discuss with the referees. The ejection came after Popovich thought DeMar DeRozan was missing while driving to the basket for a tray, but there was no missed goal.
Popovich left with the Spurs behind the Lakers, 52-41. He was replaced by technical assistant Becky Hammon, who assumed the role of head coach for the rest of the game. It was the first time that a woman led a team in NBA history.
Hammon, 43, is in his seventh season as Spurs’ assistant after a 16-year career at the WNBA. Last season, Popovich was kicked out of a game in November and replaced as head coach by a committee that included Hammon, although then assistant Tim Duncan was accused of calling the shots.
Hammon previously served as Spurs’ head coach during the NBA Summer League. This is the first time that Popovich has been expelled this season. The Lakers won 121-107.