CONTENTS

THE NFL PLAYOFFS 14

The Broncos were all but done before John Elway rallied them to an OT win over the Browns for the AFC title
by Rick Telander
In the NFC, blustery breezes and the Giants' impenetrable defense condemned the Redskins to a shellacking
by Paul Zimmerman

ALL THAT HE CAN BE 30
Sharpshooter Kevin Houston may look like a toy soldier, but he is the leading scorer in major-college basketball
by Bruce Newman

LAST PICTURE SHOW 32
Having spurned salary offers from their present teams, an illustrious group of baseball free agents may be about to change uniforms

HOW THEY BORE US IN THE NORRIS 36
Welcome to the NHL's sorriest division, where a .500 record is a big deal and the inept can earn a playoff berth
by E.M. Swift

I HAVE GOT TO DO RIGHT 60
Up from the mean streets, Isiah Thomas, the Detroit Pistons' stylish guard, ushers in a new era for his family
by William Nack

DEPARTMENTS

Letters 6
Scorecard 9
College Basketball 42
Golf 50
Pro Basketball 54
Television 74
For The Record 77
Point After 78

Cover photograph by Tony Tomsic

PHOTO

JERRY WACHTER

SPLISH-SPLASH: Shades of Auerbach's cigar, Giants linebacker Harry Carson gave coach Bill Parcells a ritual Gatorade shower on Sunday. Parcells is hidden somewhere behind the stream (page 21).