CONTENTS

20
GOLD RUSH
Strike the Gold came from far behind—and far outside—to hit pay dirt in the 117th Kentucky Derby
BY WILLIAM NACK

26
THE NBA PLAYOFFS

Larry Bird got off the Boston Garden Boor to lead the Celtics to victory over the upstart Indiana Pacers
BY JACK McCALLUM

In starting their pursuit of an improbable third straight title, the Pistons very nearly succumbed to the Hawks
BY HANK HERSCH

36
ROGER, OVER AND OUT
This season, a game is as good as over the moment Boston's Roger Clemens steps out on the mound
BY STEVE RUSHIN

42
HEAVEN FOR SEVEN
Nolan Ryan's record array of no-hitters has rescued a septet of appreciative catchers from obscurity
BY STEVE WULF

48
LUCKY IRISH
Notre Dame bungled its search for a basketball coach but still came up with a winner in John MacLeod
BY PHIL TAYLOR

60
SEASON OF TORMENT
After months of anguish, newspaper reporter Lisa Olson sues the New England Patriots for sexual harassment
BY LEIGH MONTVILLE

66
A BRUISER AND A THINKER
Soviet Greco-Roman wrestler Alexander Karelin is a rare blend of massive physique and imposing intellect
BY NICHOLAS DAWIDOFF

82
THE COLLECTOR
The L.A. Kings' Bruce McNall is an acquisitive owner whose tastes run from antiquities to pricey athletes
BY RICHARD HOFFER

DEPARTMENTS

4
LETTERS

15
SCORECARD

78
BASEBALL

100
FOR THE RECORD

102
POINT AFTER

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY MIKE KULLEN

PHOTO

JOHN BIEVER

A Dish of Spud's: Having drawn the Piston defense to him, Hawk guard Spud Webb flips the ball to an off-camera teammate in Game 5 of Atlanta's NBA playoff series against defending champ Detroit. The Pistons won the finale 113-81 (page 30).