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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Newsmakers

From Staff And Wire Reports

Extended Coach Kevin McHale agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Houston Rockets. He has compiled a 153-104 record in three-plus seasons in Houston and led the Rockets to the playoffs in the last two seasons. McHale won three NBA championships in a 13-year Hall of Fame playing career with the Celtics. He worked with the Timberwolves for 16 seasons, including two stints as the team’s coach, before joining the Rockets in 2011.

Acquired Forward Josh Smith will join the Rockets following his release by Detroit, a person with knowledge of the decision said. Smith was let go by the Pistons this week after signing a four-year, $54 million contract in July 2013. Smith is averaging 13.1 points and 7.2 rebounds in 28 games this season. The 6-foot-9, 225-pound Smith was the 17th overall pick by the Atlanta Hawks in 2004.

Injured Cavaliers center Anderson Varejao tore his Achilles tendon and will miss the rest of the season, according to a person familiar with the injury. Varejao was injured in Wednesday night’s win over Minnesota and left Quicken Loans Arena following the game on crutches with his leg in an immobilizing air cast. Varejao, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension in October, averaged 9.8 points and 6.5 rebounds in 26 starts.

Suspended Sharks forward John Scott was suspended for four games without pay by the NHL for punching Ducks forward Tim Jackman. Scott was also banned two games in October for coming onto the ice to fight Jackman. Scott was already considered a repeat offender after he was previously suspended for an illegal hit to the head. He will forfeit $34,146 in salary.

Announced Golfer Steve Stricker had surgery on a bulging disk in his lower back to alleviate recurring issues in his hip area. According to his agent, Stricker will be away from golf for at least eight weeks. The 12-time tour winner won’t be missing much. He already plays a reduced schedule, and he was not likely to play in 2015 until the Florida swing.