Lineup

Features

NBA PLAYOFFS

28 The Warriors

Their coach is missing. Is that supposed to be a problem?

By Chris Ballard

MLB

36 The Curveball

Why an ancient pitch is suddenly a cutting-edge weapon

By Tom Verducci

UFC

44 Demetrious Johnson

The pound-for-pound best fighter in the world wants to get paid

By L. Jon Wertheim

NHL PLAYOFFS

46 The Predators

The party is just getting started in Nashville, hockey's hottest city

By Alex Prewitt

HISTORY LESSON

52 The Anthem

Our national song has long been intertwined with sports. But why?

By Austin Murphy

Departments

2 SI Digital

4 Inbox

6 Leading Off

13 Scorecard

20 Faces in The Crowd

60 Point After

Steve Rushin: The beauty in the crazy of youth sports

COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY

Greg Nelson

October 07, 2019