Becky Hammon becomes first woman to coach NBA game

Becky Hammon made history in Wednesday’s San Antonio Spurs-Los Angeles Lakers game in Texas.

The Spurs assistant became the first woman to serve as a head coach in an NBA game after longtime bench boss Gregg Popovich was ejected in the second quarter of a blowout loss to the defending NBA champions.

“Obviously it’s a big deal. It’s a substantial moment,” Hammon told reporters, according to CNN, after the Spurs 121-107 defeat. “I’ve been a part of this organization. I got traded here in 2007 (when in the WNBA), 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.”

For Hammon, 43, the significance of the historic moment was not something she had much time to ponder. After all, she was abruptly thrown into a supervisorial position without time to plan accordingly.

“I try not to think of the huge picture and huge aspect of it because it can be overwhelming,” Hammon said. “I really have had no time to reflect.”

She added: “I have not had time to look at my phone. So, I don’t know what’s going on outside the AT&T Center.”

Becky Hammon grows as a coach

Becky Hammon joined Popovich’s coaching staff in 2014. Since then, she has served in a full-time role, and her role in Pop’s inner circle has expanded.

Before that, she played in the WNBA for 16 years, beginning in 1999 with the New York Liberty. Hammon, a point guard, also played professionally in Italy, Spain, and Russia.

When the Spurs announced Hammon’s hiring, Popovich said: “I very much look forward to the addition of Becky Hammon to our staff. Having observed her working with our team this past season, I’m confident her basketball IQ, work ethic and interpersonal skills will be a great benefit to the Spurs.”