04.14.14
INSIDE 6 THE TRUTH How Bud Selig abandoned the Rays. By Howard Bryant
13 NHL Five hurdles standing between the Pens and another Cup.
8 ZOOM The making of Miguel Cabrera’s toy figurine.
18 MLB Home plate collisions aren’t baseball’s only hazards.
10 ZOOM Inside Goodyear’s shiny new blimp.
20 GOLF Re-examining the drop that’s typified Tiger’s major slump.
84 THE FIX A Hawk’s final flap. By Chris Jones
62 THE MOST PERFECT 0.4 SECONDS IN SPORTS The simple beauty of Stephen Curry’s jumper. By David Fleming
PLAYBOOK
22 COLLEGE FOOTBALL Early enrollees who will pop this spring. 24 SOCCER Julian Green’s chance at history.
26 TRENDING Kevin Costner talks his latest sports flick. 28 TECHNIQUE How Ricky Rubio breaks ankles with his crafty crossover.
DON'T MISS 30 JUST CHEER, BABY A Raiderette’s eye-opening lawsuit could upend the NFL cheerleading culture. By Amanda Hess
COVER: JUAN OCAMPO/NBAE/GETTY IMAGES; THIS PAGE: JEFF GROS; LOGO BY STUDIO BLACK
37 ONE DAY, ONE GAME Okay, we cheated a little this time. Presenting Two Days, Two Games—California-style. 38 WELCOME TO THE WILD WEST In the hours before tip-off, everyone from the players to the dancers put in some reps. 46 "THEY'LL NEVER KNOW ME" Kings center DeMarcus Cousins says he’s misunderstood. So what’s he going to do about it? By Tim Keown
54 TO LIVE AND TANK IN LA Don’t fault the Lakers and Kings for chasing pingpong balls. Tanking really works. By Bradford Doolittle 56 THE STAPLES OF STAPLES CENTER We captured the dunks, kisses and cheers that brought Los Angeles alive.
73 THE BLAKE GRIFFIN POP QUIZ Think you know the Clippers’ high-flyin’, commercial-killin’ superstar? Take our handy quiz. By Sam Alipour 76 STRAIGHT TO THE POINT Doc Rivers’ straight-shooting style is rubbing off on his stars. By Kate Fagan 82 CHILL, THEY GOT THIS CP3 will tell you: Just because the game is over doesn’t mean everyone’s work is done.
04/14/2014 ESPN The Magazine
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