Who's Hot/who's Not

WHO'S Hot

Reggie Miller

O.K., the Pacers sharpshooter lost the last game of his 18-year career--but he scored 27 points (11 for 16 from the field) and got standing O's from the home crowd and the rival Pistons (who called a timeout to salute him). Pacers CEO Donnie Walsh, who presented Miller with a Bentley, says he's still hoping number 31 will unretire. If not, Miller's jersey will be raised to the rafters.

Washington

It's nearly Memorial Day, and D.C.'s Nationals, born of those woeful Expos, are just two games off the pace in the NL East. "There's a whole different feel to what we're doing this year," says manager Frank Robinson. Another Washington, George, is having his own resurgence. The star of David McCullough's acclaimed book 1776 is a Newsweek cover boy.

Jarrett Payton

The 24-year-old son of Sweetness, on the Titans' practice squad last year, is ripping up NFL Europe, gaining 6.2 yards a rush with six TDs in seven games for the Amsterdam Admirals. He's eyeing a spot in the Tennessee backfield and says, "I've never been as focused and as hungry."

Horse Power

More than 156,000 saw Giacomo's stunning surge at the Kentucky Derby. A record 115,318 were on hand for Afleet Alex's stunning stumble in the Preakness (page 54). There's plenty ailing the racing biz, but for three spring Saturdays--the June 11 Belmont Stakes awaits--the runners still rule. NBC just extended the rights for the Derby and the Preakness to 2010.

WHO'S Not