Wednesday 22 July 2015 18:00, UK
Becky Hammon has made history after becoming the first female head coach to win an NBA Summer League title.
The 38-year-old guided the San Antonio Spurs to a 93-90 victory over Phoenix Suns in the final of the Las Vegas tournament.
Former point-guard Hammon, who played in America, Spain and Russia during a 13-year professional career, was placed in charge for the high-profile tournament after becoming the first full-time assistant coach in NBA history last August.
Spurs lost their opening match against the New York Knicks but bounced back with six straight wins to claim the title.
"It was a grind," said Hammon. "They’ve been together for 17 days. They really started to jell the last two or three games.
"They listened and they played really hard for me. I just really appreaciate their attentiveness and altertness. They were tired and they fought through."
Jonathon Simmons, who was named MVP for the championship match after scoring 23 points, paid credit to Hammon.
"It’s amazing. It was a humbling experience," said Simmons. "For all of us. I really lover her and I’ve only know her a couple of days.
"She’s a real cool coach. She’s a player-coach. That’s something we all like."
The Las Vegas Summer League championship is one of three tournaments run during the close season by the NBA.
