Successful Nelson heads back to Golden State
Don Nelson officially returned to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night, vowing to coach his former team back to respectability.
Nelson is the second-winningest coach in NBA history and the last coach to lead Golden State to the playoffs in 1994. The Warriors have endured 12 straight losing seasons since his departure, and they failed to make any significant improvements to last season’s 34-48 club under Mike Montgomery, who was abruptly dismissed Tuesday.
Nelson, a three-time NBA Coach of the Year, has 1,190 victories in a career that includes stops in Milwaukee, New York and Dallas, where he led the Mavericks until stepping down in March 2005. He went 277-260 in his first 6 1/2 seasons in Golden State.
“Patrick Ewing resigned as an assistant coach with the Houston Rockets. Ewing, who worked for the Rockets the past three seasons, said he quit to spend more time with his three children.
“Lorenzen Wright signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks, giving the team more depth at center. Wright, who signed for about $3 million per year, averaged 5.8 points and 6.9 rebounds with the Memphis Grizzlies last season.
“Police questioned former NBA player Latrell Sprewell in connection with a sexual assault allegation. A 21-year-old Milwaukee woman reported the incident on a boat at McKinley Marina on Tuesday.
“Philadelphia 76ers star Allen Iverson is being sued for $2.4 million amid claims he helped hire a security team accused of attacking four people at a Hampton, Va., nightclub last year.
“Charges that the former University of Montana and current Chicago Bulls mascot attacked an off-duty police officer during an outdoor festival in Chicago have been dropped, Bulls officials said.
Softball
U.S. team shuts out Britain at worlds
Jamie Southern pitched a one-hit complete game to lead the defending champion United States past Britain 7-0 to remain unbeaten at the softball world championships in Beijing. The Americans were scoreless after the first two innings until Laura Berg hit a two-run triple and Jessica Mendoza slammed a three-run homer in the third.
Miscellany
Canada aids Vancouver with Olympic costs
Cost overruns for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver prompted government pledges of an extra $99 million. Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the announcement in Vancouver, along with British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell, Mayor Sam Sullivan and members of the Olympic committee.
“Finnish shot putter Ville Tiisanoja tested positive in Helsinki for testosterone and faces a two-year ban after admitting he used the banned substance earlier this summer.
“The Carolina Hurricanes signed forward Brad Isbister to a one-year deal, likely wrapping up the off-season pursuit of free agents.