Becky Hammon loses in historic Summer League debut, borrows snark and play-call from Popovich
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San Antonio Spurs assistant Becky Hammon made history Saturday by becoming the first woman to serve as head coach in an NBA Summer League game.
Unfortunately, Hammon's debut came in a 78-73 point loss to the New York Knicks. The Spurs squandered a seven-point fourth-quarter lead as the Knicks outscored San Antonio 29-19 in the final frame.
Still, the Spurs had a chance to tie late in the fourth. While trailing by three, Hammon drew up a beautiful play to create an open corner look for Jarell Eddie, but the shot rimmed out.
(Courtesy: NBA League Pass)
If the play looked familiar to Spurs fans, it's because Hammon put a twist on the Spurs' patented "Hammer" set.
Hammon was later asked about the game's tight finish. She took another leaf out of Gregg Popovich's book, responding with a snarky quip.
Becky Hammon, on if she wants all her summer league games to go down to the wire: "No, because it's fricken stressful."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 11, 2015
The fourth quarter aside, Hammon took a calm, collected approach. Hammon quietly managed the game and mostly opted for the Spurs to play through D-Leaguer Jonathan Simmons and Spurs sophomore Kyle Anderson.
Despite the loss, it was a strong debut for Hammon. After being hired as an assistant last year, Hammon has evidently picked up quite a few tropes from Popovich, which should only help as she continues to ascend the coaching ranks.
Last from Hammon: "I feel like I'm just a flower that's getting great roots _ but far from blooming."
— Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) July 11, 2015