Becky Hammon made history Wednesday by becoming the first woman to act as head coach during an NBA regular-season game.
The San Antonio assistant coach filled in for head coach Gregg Popovich after he was ejected in the first half of the Spurs’ 121-107 loss to the visiting Lakers. “Obviously, it’s a big deal,” Hammon said after the game. “It’s a substantial moment. I’ve been a part of this organization, I got traded here in 2007, so I’ve been in San Antonio and part of the Spurs and sports organization with the Stars and everything for 13 years. So I have a lot of time invested, and they have a lot of time invested in me, in building me and getting me better.” Hammon is in her seventh season on the Spurs’ coaching staff. She was a six-time All-Star in the WNBA with the New York Liberty and San Antonio Silver Stars.