LEADING OFF

Between Friends

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant (24) was fouled by the Cavaliers' Shaquille O'Neal (33) as he went up for a shot between O'Neal and LeBron James during a game in Cleveland last Thursday. Bryant scored 31 points, but James poured in 37 as the Eastern Conference--leading Cavs beat the Western Conference--leading Lakers 93--87.

Dawn Of the Dreads

The dreadlocks of Colts linebacker Philip Wheeler flew in all directions as he tackled Jets running back Thomas Jones during the AFC Championship Game in Indianapolis on Sunday (page 36). New York gained only 86 yards on the ground—Jones had 42 on 16 carries—as the Colts came back from a 17--6 deficit to win 30--17.

Purple Pain

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sat on the turf in New Orleans on Sunday after being leveled during the NFC Championship Game (page 30). In what might have been the last game of his 19-year career, Favre was hit six times but not sacked. He completed 28 of 46 passes for 310 yards and one touchdown, but he was intercepted twice, including a costly pick at the end of regulation, as New Orleans won in overtime 31--28.

TWO PHOTOS

Photograph by John Biever

PHOTO

Photograph by Bob Rosato