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 sent off in the 121-107 loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night.
“I try not to think about the big picture and the big aspect of it, because it can be overwhelming,” said Hammon. “I really didn’t have time to reflect. I didn’t have 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 Lakers, the current league champion.
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 put the guys in the right places,” said Hammon. “Try to motivate them. Obviously, it’s a learning situation for all of us, but I would have loved to go out there with a win with the guys. “
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.
As Popovich left the court to the applause of several family members present, he pointed a finger at Hammon and gave a succinct message.
“You got them,” said Hammon. “See? He doesn’t treat us any differently than he does you.”
LeBron James said: “Obviously, she’s been paying off her debts for the past few years and Coach Pop has given her the opportunity. … It’s a beautiful thing to just hear her barking calls, barking sets. She is very passionate about the game. Congratulations to her and congratulations on our league. ”
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.
“Well deserved,” said Lakers coach Frank Vogel. “I’ve talked to her before and she really knows what she’s doing and is obviously here for a reason. She is equipped, smart (and the) guys have great respect for her. She will be a great coach one day. “
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.
“Even at intervals with Pop as the head coach, she is fast,” said DeRozan. “It tells us about defensive assignments, offensive sets that we must perform. Seeing her at the forefront would definitely have been nice to have won for her. “
The Lakers contributed to Popovich’s frustration and the Spurs’ luck did not improve much after the veteran coach left.
Dennis Schroder had 21 points, Anthony Davis had 20 and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Wesley Matthews scored 6 out of 6 out of 3 points, scoring 18 points off the bench.
The Spurs opened with a 9-2 run, including an undisputed pass through Keldon Johnson’s track for a two-handed slam. The Lakers responded with an 11-0 streak that provided a time limit for Popovich.
The Lakers took their first double-digit advantage at 35-25 in Kyle Kuzma’s 3-point basket with 1:14 remaining in the first quarter.
Dejounte Murray had a career record of 29 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
“At the end of the day, it means nothing, we lost,” said Murray.
DeRozan scored 23 points for Spurs, who lost the second consecutive time after opening the season with two consecutive wins.
TIP-INS
Lakers: PG Alex Caruso lost the game by “health and safety protocols”, as determined by the league. Lakers coach Frank Vogel gave no details on Caruso’s status. … James was listed as questionable after spraining his left ankle sprain in the Lakers’ 115-107 loss to Portland on Monday. James played 35 minutes against Spurs after scoring 29 points in 36 minutes against Trail Blazers.
Spurs: Popovich said that Spurs will monitor Aldridge’s knee pain on a day-to-day basis. … Tim Duncan took over last season when Popovich was ejected against Portland on November 16, 2019. The Hall of Fame chose not to return as an assistant this season.