Leading Off

Ben There, Done That
Sixers guard Allen Iverson has to come up with an answer on the fly for Pistons center Ben Wallace as the NBA's Defensive Player of the Year challenges his shot during Game I of their second-round Eastern Conference series (page 34). The Pistons won the opener 98-87, but the Sixers had tied the series at 2-2 heading into Wednesday's Game 5.

Long Shot
Texas Rangers first baseman Rafael Palmeiro becomes only the 19th major leaguer to reach the 500 home run mark with this three-run shot against Indians righthander Dave Elder on Sunday in Arlington (page 52).

Hell-bent for Rubber
Devils center Joe Nieuwendyk (25) positions himself for a rebound in front of Senators defenseman Wade Redden as the puck hits the glass behind the Ottawa goal during Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Eastern Conference finals last Saturday. The Senators won 3-2 in overtime.