The assistant coach of San Antonio Spurs Becky Hammon took charge of the NBA side during their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, and in doing so became the first woman to lead a side at the highest level of basketball.
Hammon took charge of the team following the ejection of the Spurs’ head coach Gregg Popovich. Popovich was forced to hand over the reins to his assistant coach Hammon after he received two technical fouls.
The former Spurs player was tasked with leading the side after Popovich’s ejection and it came as a great surprise to the history maker.
“I did not walk into the arena thinking I would be coaching tonight”, exclaimed Hammon.
Hammon, who is also the first ever full-time assistant coach of an NBA team, believes that taking charge of the Spurs, even if it was only for two quarters, was a significant step forward for women in basketball.
“It’s a big deal. It’s a substantial moment,” said Hammon in her press conference after the game.
The stewardship of Hammon was not enough for the Spurs however, as they eventually lost 121-107 against Lebron James’ Lakers side. The 2020 NBA finals winners proved too strong for Hammon’s Spurs but James, widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, was keen to congratulate Hammon on her accomplishment.
Speaking following his sides victory, the former Miami Heat and Cleveland Cavaliers player said: “It’s a beautiful day. She’s very passionate about the game. So, congrats to her and congrats to our league.”
