This is what we call the vagaries of a calendar. That night, the Spurs faced the Rockets while at the same time, further east, the New York Liberty hosted the fourth game of the WNBA final against the Las Vegas Aces, coached by Becky Hammon.
A decisive round won on the wire by the players of the former assistant to the Spurs coach. Synonymous with the title, which Gregg Popovich would have liked to witness live. To the point of imagining a stratagem worthy of the Texan character.
“ I thought about getting fired tonight because the game was at the exact same time, but I figured that should be my priority. It was tight. Congratulations, Becky. YEAH baby, good job “, warmly enthuses the one who got it under his wing from 2014 to 2022.
A common entry to the Hall Of Fame
As soon as he arrives at the press conference, he warns the journalists that he does not have much time on his hands, that he must go celebrate the double in Las Vegas, with wine. Then, he raises his arms to the sky and mentions the name of his former assistant. “ Becky Hammon and the Aces is like (the singer) Smokey Robinson and (the group) The Miracles. »
We then ask him what makes the former member of his team special. “ She’s not unique because she wins titles, she’s unique because she’s Becky. These are the same reasons I hired her: she’s a competitive coach. Competitive. She understands the game. She is very good at relationships. She’s not fooled. It’s a pleasure to be around her. What more ? “, asks “Pop”.
We remind you that both joined the Hall of Fame last August. The Aces coach paid tribute to his former mentor, to the point of making him cry.
