THE PICTURES

The DAY TO REMEMBER

Before the kickoff against the Cowboys on Sept. 11, Jets receiver Jeremy Kerley (11) and teammates paused to pay tribute to the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

The LEAP

Not since MJ has a tongue wagged the postseason like Dirk Nowitzki's did in June, when the Grand Teuton averaged 27.7 points in victories over the Trail Blazers, Lakers, Thunder and Heat to lift Dallas to its first NBA title.

The COMEBACK

Twice in last spring's Stanley Cup playoffs, the Bruins dropped the first two games of a series, including in the finals against the Canucks. Milan Lucic (17) and Boston, however, righted themselves, toppling Dan Hamhuis (2) and Vancouver in seven games to win their first Cup since 1972.

The MILESTONE

Despite a prolonged slump to start the season, Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was still capable of some twilit brilliance; on July 9, he reached the 3,000-hit plateau—with a home run off the Rays' David Price—and hit .327 after the All-Star break.

The REIGN

Linebacker Diyral Briggs celebrated the Packers' 31--25 win over the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, and the headlines would keep streaming into December as Green Bay won its first 13 games.

The SHOWDOWN

In a 1--2 matchup that lived up to its hype—even though no touchdowns were scored—top-ranked LSU beat Alabama 9--6 in overtime. Eric Reid, who outmuscled Michael Williams for a pick, will have to fend off the Tide one more time, on Jan. 9.

The MIRACLE

Freese it right there: Moments after third baseman David Freese hit a walk-off, 11th-inning home run in Game 6 of the World Series to save the Cardinals' season, Gerald Laird and the rest of the St. Louis dugout erupted. The Cards would beat the Rangers 6--2 in Game 7.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY DAMIAN STROHMEYER

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PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN W. MCDONOUGH

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ROBERT BECK

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PHOTOGRAPH BY CHUCK SOLOMON

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PHOTOGRAPH BY AL TIELEMANS

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PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN BIEVER

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PHOTOGRAPH BY AL TIELEMANS