Late in the second quarter of Wednesday’s game against the Lakers, Spurs coach Gregg Popovich was sent off after suffering two technical errors in an argument with officials. The eviction occurred after Popovich thought DeMar DeRozan had driven wrong to the basket, but there was no mistake.
Popovich leaves with the Spurs behind the Lakers, 52-41. He was replaced by assistant coach Becky Hammon, who took over as head coach for the rest of the match. It was the first time a woman had led a team in NBA history.
Hammon, 43, is in her seventh season as a Spurs assistant after a capable 16-year career in the WNBA. Last season, Popovich was suspended from a game in November and replaced as acting head coach by a committee that included Hammon.
Hammon previously served as head coach for the Spurs during the NBA Summer League. This is the first time Popovich has been sacked this season. The Lakers won 121-107.