LEADING OFF

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Photograph by Damian Strohmeyer

NEW YORK NICKS The Giants' Hakeem Nicks scored on a 66-yard pass from Eli Manning in the first quarter of an NFC divisional playoff game in Green Bay on Sunday. Nicks also scored on a 37-yard pass in the second quarter as the Giants upset the Packers 37--20 to advance to the NFC Championship Game against the 49ers (page 34).

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Photograph by John W. McDonough

FALLING FORWARD Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) stumbled into the arms of Heat forwards Chris Bosh (center) and Shane Battier as Griffin went for a rebound during L.A.'s 95--89 victory at home on Jan. 11. Griffin scored 20 points and pulled down a team-high 12 boards.

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Photograph by Scott R. Galvin/Galvin Photo

TAKING IT OUTSIDE Michigan (in maize) beat Ohio State 4--1 in the Frozen Diamond Faceoff on an outdoor rink at Cleveland's Progressive Field on Sunday. The 15th-ranked Wolverines swept the two-game series after beating the No. 2 Buckeyes 4--0 in Columbus last Friday. This photo was taken with a tilt-shift lens, which makes the subjects appear as miniatures.