SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Becky Hammon would have preferred a win 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 ejected in a 121-107 loss against LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday-evening.
“I’m trying not to think about the huge picture and the huge aspect of it because it can be overwhelming,” said Hammon. “I really haven’t had time to think. I haven’t had time to check 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 the defending champion Lakers.
James celebrated his 36th birthday with 26 points, eight assists and five rebounds in the Lakers’ third double-digit win. The teams will complete the set with two games on Friday evening.
“(I was trying to) get the boys in the right place,” Hammon said. “Try to get them motivated. Obviously it’s a learning situation for all of us, but I would have loved to walk out with the guys with a win. “
Popovich was sent off by official Tony Brown with 3:56 left in the second quarter. Popovich yelled at Brown and entered court after a non-call on DeMar DeRozan’s attempted layup and subsequent rebound attempt by Drew Eubanks.
As he left the court to applaud some of the family members present, Popovich pointed a finger at Hammon and had a concise message.
“You got them,” said Hammon. “See? He doesn’t treat us any differently than you do.”
LeBron James said: “It is clear she has paid her dues for the past few years and Coach Pop has given her the opportunity. … It’s wonderful to hear her barking calls, barking sets. She is very passionate about the game. Congratulations to her and congratulations on our competition. ”
Hammon took over the squads of the team during timeouts and walked the sidelines after Popovich was ejected. Hammon was the first full-time female assistant coach in the history of the league.
“Well deserved,” said Lakers coach Frank Vogel. ‘I’ve talked to her before and she really knows her stuff and it’s clear she’s not here for nothing. She is rested, intelligent (and the) guys have a lot of respect for her. One day she becomes a great coach. “
Hammon, a three-time All-American at Colorado State, played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA and abroad before retiring to join Popovich in 2014.
“Even in time-outs with Pop as head coach, she’s on her feet quickly,” said DeRozan. She tells us about defensive assignments, offensive sets that we should perform. When I saw her in the foreground it would definitely have been cool to have won for her. “
The Lakers added to Popovich’s frustration, and the Spurs’ fortunes didn’t get much better 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 on 3-pointers and scored 18 points off the bench.
The Spurs opened with a 9-2 point, including an unquestioned drive through Keldon Johnson’s lane for a two-handed slam. The Lakers responded with an 11-0 run that favored Popovich’s time-out.
The Lakers took their first double-digit 35-25 lead over Kyle Kuzma’s 3-pointer with 1:14 in the first quarter.
Dejounte Murray had a career-high 29 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t mean anything, we’ve lost,” said Murray.
DeRozan added 23 for Spurs, who lost their second straight after opening the season with two consecutive wins.
TIP-INS
Lakers: PG Alex Caruso missed the contest for “health and safety protocols” as mandated by the league. Lakers coach Frank Vogel did not elaborate 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 the Spurs after scoring 29 points in 36 minutes against the Trail Blazers.
Spurs: Popovich said the Spurs will be monitoring 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. The Hall of Famer chose not to return as an assistant this season.