SAN ANTONIO (AP) – Becky Hammon would have preferred a win over history after becoming the first woman to coach an NBA team.
Assistant coach took over from the San Antonio Spurs in the second quarter after coach Gregg Popovich was sent off in a 121-107 loss to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday night.
“I try not to think about the big picture and the huge look because it can be overwhelming,” Hammon said. “I really didn’t have time to think. I haven’t had time to look at my phone. So I don’t know what’s going on outside of the AT&T center. “
Hammon and the Spurs already had a lot to contend against in defending league 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 of two games Friday night.
“(I was) trying to get the guys to be in the right places,” Hammon said. “Try to motivate them. Obviously, it’s a learning situation for all of us, but I would have loved to have won there with the boys. “
Popovich was sent off by Officer Tony Brown, with 3:56 left in the second quarter. Popovich shouted at Brown and entered the court after failing to call on DeMar DeRozan’s throw attempt and a subsequent rebound attempt by Drew Eubanks.
When he left the court to applaud several family members of the team, Popovich pointed a finger at Hammon and received a succinct message.
“You have them,” Hammon said. “Do you see? He doesn’t treat us any differently than you do. “
LeBron James said: “Viouslybviamente has been paying her dues for the last few years and Coach Pop has given her the chance …. It’s a nice thing to just hear her barking calling and throwing gadgets. She’s very passionate about Congratulations to her and congratulations on our league “.
Hammon took over the team’s confusions during downtime and marched to the sidelines after Popovich was sent off. Hammon was the first full-time female assistant coach in league history.
“Well deserved,” Lakers coach Frank Vogel said. “I’ve talked to her before and she really knows her stuff and obviously she’s here for a reason. She is equipped, smart (and the guys) respect her a lot. One day she will be a great coach.
A three-time American in the state of Colorado, Hammon played for the New York Liberty and San Antonio Stars in the WNBA, as well as overseas, before retiring to be part of Popovich’s staff in 2014.
“Even in downtime with Pop as head coach, she gets up fast,” DeRozan said. “He tells us about the defensive tasks, the offensive sets we should execute. Seeing her in the lead, it would certainly have been great to have won for her.”
The Lakers contributed to Popovich’s frustration and the Spurs ’fortunes didn’t improve much after the veteran coach left.
Dennis Schroder added 21 points, Anthony Davis scored 20 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Wesley Matthews was 6 for 6 in triples scoring 18 points from the bench.
The Spurs opened with a 9-2 run, including an undisputed drive down Keldon Johnson lane for a two-handed strike. The Lakers responded with an 11-0 run that promoted a Popovich timeout.
The Lakers won their first double-digit lead at 35-25 on Kyle Kuzma’s 3-point lead, missing 1:14 in the first quarter.
Dejounte Murray scored 29 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t mean anything, we lost,” Murray said.
DeRozan added 23 for the Spurs, who lost their second straight game after opening the season with two straight wins.
ADVICES
Lakers: PG Alex Caruso missed the game by “safety and health protocols” as demanded by the league. Lakers coach Frank Vogel did not delve into Caruso’s condition. … James qualified as questionable after making a sprained left ankle 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 control Aldridge’s knee pain on a day-to-day basis. … Tim Duncan took over last season when Popovich was sent off against Portland on November 16, 2019. The Hall of Fame chose not to return as an assistant this season.