Hammon intervened with 3:56 left for the second quarter of the Spurs game against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers won the game 121-107.
“Viouslybviament is a big problem. It’s a substantial moment,” Hammon told reporters. “I was part of that organization. I moved here in 2007 (when I was in the WNBA), so I was in San Antonio and I was part of the Spurs and the sports organization with the Stars and all for 13 years. .I have a lot of time invested and they have a lot of time invested in me to build and improve myself.
“Honestly, at the moment, I was just trying to win the game. I say a lot, but I try not to think about the big picture and the huge look because it can get overwhelming. It’s my job to get in there to be focused on these guys and make sure I am helping them do the things that will help us win.
“I haven’t really had time to think. I haven’t looked at my phone, so I have no idea what’s going on outside of the AT&T center tonight.”
Hammon said he didn’t get into the arena thinking he would be put in the role of head coach, “but that’s how things go and it’s played out,” he said. “I would have liked a different result. Overall, I would have liked to get a win tonight more than anything.”
Popovich will be credited as coach in official statistics, but it was a historic moment. As for how Hammon discovered he would take over from Popovich? “He officially pointed me out,” he said. “That was all. He said, ‘You have them.’
Hammon, a six-time WNBA All-Star player in her 16-year career, was the first full-time assistant coach in NBA history when she was hired by the Spurs in 2014. She previously served as coach. main of the Spurs during the summer League, which is held during the low season.
Hammon is re-nominated at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, for the 202 class. Before Wednesday’s game, Popovich was asked about this, as well as his thoughts on game days and his career. Hammon coach.
“Obviously, I think her skills have hired her. It all started when I saw her play,” Popovich said.
“She was a leader, all the team members reacted to her, she was very confident, very competitive and she ran the whole program. And when I met her and she was at our coaches’ meetings before they hired her. , was hurt for a season, we learned about his ability to play, his innate understanding of what he wins, what he loses, what it takes to make a program.
“So he has all the tools he needs to be a technician in our league.”
Dejounte Murray, who said the Spurs striker, said: “The future is bright for her. I hope she joins in and doesn’t give up. One day it may happen, it may not happen, who knows, but it’s definitely the right way. I think everyone appreciates it … It’s setting an example for all the women out there. “