On Wednesday night, some awesome history was made.
San Antonio Spurs head Greg Popovich was ejected from the team’s matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter, which meant someone had to slide up the bench to take his spot. That, someone, was Becky Hammon.
When she took over the game with 3:56 to go in the half, Hammon officially became the first woman ever to serve as an NBA head coach. I mean, how awesome is that?
Becky Hammon took over head coaching duties for the Spurs after Pop was ejected.
She is the first woman to serve as head coach in an NBA game. pic.twitter.com/Cp8r0Sj0w3
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 31, 2020
Hammon has taken over as head coach during the preseason before but finally doing so in regular-season action serves as an even greater milestone for her and the NBA.
She spoke about the moment her name was called after the game:
https://twitter.com/SInow/status/1344659119421214722?s=20
https://twitter.com/FOXSportsSW/status/1344498442056462337?s=20
At the end of the day, I have to imagine last night was only one of many games she will serve as head coach at the pro level. For years she has been viewed as a potential head coach candidate, and there is no question she is one of the most qualified assistants out there. Someone hire this woman already!