More memories
Jordan's comeback has its own catalog of great moments
Posted: Tuesday April 15, 2003 8:47 PM
Updated: Thursday April 17, 2003 3:10 AM
Michael Jordan wasn’t able to lead the Wizards to the playoffs. But he did get them close, helping restore respectability to a franchise that had nearly hit rock bottom. In that regard at least, his second comeback was a success.
Jordan’s two-year run with the Wizards also provided NBA fans with plenty of highlights. From popping flashbulbs to game-winning shots, he remained one of the league’s biggest shows. Here’s a look back, in chronological order, at some of Jordan’s most memorable moments as a Wizard.
(For Jordan flashbacks from the Chicago era, click here)
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1. He’s Back ... Again
(Oct. 30, 2001)
On basketball’s brightest stage, Madison Square Garden in New York City, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA -- as a member of the Washington Wizards. In his first game in over three years, the 38-year-old small forward finished with 19 points, five rebounds, six assists and four steals, but couldn’t prevent a 93-91 loss.
2. 51 vs. the Hornets
(Dec. 29, 2001)
Two nights after scoring a then-career-low six points in a loss at Indiana, Jordan silenced the critics by exploding for an MCI Center-record 51 points in a win over Charlotte. "After tonight, I’m pretty sure people are going to say that I can still play this game," said Jordan, who became the oldest player (38) to score 50 in a game.
3. No Bull!
(Jan. 4, 2002)
In his first game against his former Bulls team, Jordan scored a game-high 29 points to surpass the 30,000-point plateau for his career. But the most memorable moment occured when a determined Jordan raced downcourt and pinned Ron Mercer’s layup attempt (with two hands) off the backboard to preserve an 89-83 victory.
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4. Welcome Back!
(Jan. 19, 2002)
In his first game back in the Windy City, Jordan was nearly moved to tears by a two-minute standing ovation. Perhaps affected by the emotions, he committed nine turnovers to go with 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Wizards won, 77-69. Later, Bulls PA announcer Ray Clay was fired for criticizing the team’s decision to cut short Jordan’s introduction.
5. The Shot, Part III
(Jan. 31, 2002)
Craig Ehlo and Gerald Wilkins were nowhere to be found, but you just knew Michael would have something special planned for his first trip back to Cleveland. He didn’t disappoint, sinking a 15-foot jumper at the horn to lift the Wizards to a 93-92 victory. Even heartbroken Cavs fans had to smile at this one.
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6. Once More, With Feeling
(Feb. 15, 2002)
After his sister Roslyn began the night’s festivities by singing the national anthem, Jordan ended it by doing what he does best. He sank a shot over Suns forward Shawn Marion with 0.2 seconds left to give Washington a 97-96 win in Phoenix and set off a jubilant on-court celebration.
7. Ironman
(Jan. 4, 2003)
In perhaps his best all-around performance as a Wizard, Jordan logged a staggering 53 minutes while contributing 41 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and three steals in an epic 107-104 double-OT victory against Indiana. He scored 16 in the final quarter and made a key defensive stop late on Pacers forward Al Harrington.
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8. The Star of Stars
(Feb. 9, 2003)
From Vince Carter’s last-minute decision to give up his starting spot to Mariah Carey’s halftime serenade, the NBA did its best to make Jordan’s final All-Star game special. Then Jordan did his part by scoring 20 points and hitting the apparent game-winning shot in overtime. Unfortunately, Jermaine O’Neal’s last-second foul on Kobe Bryant allowed the West to gain the victory and spoil the Hollywood ending.
9. 40-40 vision
(Feb. 21, 2003)
Two weeks after turning 40, Jordan turned back the clock one final time. He pumped in 43 points in 43 minutes to keep Washington’s playoff hopes alive with an 89-86 win over the Nets. "I don't feel like 40," said Jordan, who became the first player his age to score over 40 points in a game. "I still feel young."
10. Farewell, D.C.
(April 14, 2003)
Sporting a retro Bullets No. 23 jersey, Jordan made his final appearance in the MCI Center as a Wizards player. He contributed 21 points and eight rebounds but couldn’t prevent a 93-79 loss to the Knicks. Afterward he was feted in a brief ceremony, with the capacity crowd (the Wizards sold out every home game during his two seasons) sending him off in a tide of applause.
Marty Burns covers pro basketball for SI.com. Click here to send Marty a question or comment.
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