Becky Hammon becomes first woman to direct NBA team - in pictures

San Antonio Spurs assistant took over bench duties when head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in first half

Becky Hammon, assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs, took over head coach duties at AT&T Centre in Texas. AFP

Becky Hammon assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Patty Mills at the AT&T Centre on Thursday. AFP

Becky Hammon, assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs, became the first woman to direct a team in an NBA contest. AFP

Becky Hammon, assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs, took over the bench duties when head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the first half. AFP

Becky Hammon assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs talks with Patty Mills. AFP

Becky Hammon assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs took over after Gregg Popovich was ejected at AT&T Centre in Texas. AFP

Becky Hammon assistant coach took over head coach duties at AT&T Centre. AFP

Becky Hammon, assistant coach of the San Antonio Spurs, at AT&T Centre. AFP

Becky Hammon took over from Gregg Popovich. AFP

Former WNBA player Becky Hammon became the first woman to direct a team in an NBA contest. AFP

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon calls a play during a timeout in the second half of the team's game against the Los Angeles Lakers, after coach Gregg Popovich was ejected. AP

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon breaks from a huddle during a timeout in the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers. AP

San Antonio Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon. AP

Former WNBA player Becky Hammon has become the first woman to direct a team in an NBA contest, describing the experience as "a big deal, it's a substantial moment".

Hammon made history in the Los Angeles Lakers' 121-107 win over the San Antonio Spurs, taking over the Spurs' bench duties when head coach Gregg Popovich was ejected in the first half.

"I've been a part of this organisation, I got traded here in 2007. So I've been in San Antonio and part of the Spurs and sports organisation with the Stars and everything for 13 years," Spurs assistant Hammon said. "So I have a lot of time invested, and they have a lot of time invested in me, in building me and getting me better."

Popovich received a technical foul and was thrown out of the game with 3:56 remaining in the second quarter for arguing with a referee as his team trailed the Lakers 52-41.

"He officially pointed at me. That was it," Hammon said. "Said, 'You got 'em,' and that was it. Very Pop-like."

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris was among those to congratulate Hammon on social media saying she hopes more ex-WNBA players can land coaching jobs in the NBA.

"Congrats, @BeckyHammon. You may be the first, but I know you certainly won't be the last."

Hammon is in her seventh season on the San Antonio coaching staff. Hammon was a six-time all-star in the WNBA with teams in New York and Texas.