LEADING OFF

FIFTY PHOTOS

Photographs by John Biever (8); Manny Millan (8); John W. McDonough (4); Walter Iooss Jr. (3); Bill Smith (3); Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images (2); Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images (2); Bob Rosato (2); Jeff Wong (2); John Biever, Bob Gomel/Life, Bettmann/Corbis; Brian Drake; Jacqueline Duvoisin; Barry Gossage/NBAE/Getty Images; Stephen Green; Amy Guip; John Iacono; Walter Iooss Jr., Jordan Metcalf; Heinz Kluetmeier; David E. Klutho; David Liam Kyle; Sharon McCormack; Jean Moss; Carl Skalak; Lane Stewart; Theo Westenberger

The Jinx Is Weak with This One Instant rebuttal to the assertion that an SI cover appearance brings bad luck: Michael Jordan has fronted the magazine a record 50 times, including this issue, and still somehow managed to win six NBA championships, two Olympic gold medals and the esteem of the entire sports world (page 34). Happy 50th all around!

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Photograph by Dave Reginek/NHLI/Getty Images

Duck That Puck In Detroit last Saturday, Red Wings goalie Jimmy Howard deflected an Edmonton shot seemingly straight at the camera. The lens survived thanks to the plexiglass at Joe Louis Arena. Howard made 23 saves in Detroit's 2--1 victory.

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Photograph by Rob Griffith/AP

Advance Australia Fair Folks Down Under are typically so somber and reserved, so it was nice to see at least a few Aussies break from national character at The Color Run, a 5K at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday. Participants raced through "color stations" set up every kilometer, where they were doused with powdered pigment. Why? Why not. Who won? Everybody, by the looks of it. But especially the local laundromats.