Michael Jordan's fabulous career came to an end amid cheers and tears last night as his Washington Wizards were trounced 107-87 by the Philadelphia 76ers.
Perhaps the greatest player in NBA history, Jordan scored 15 points in the finale to his 15-year career, which included 10 scoring titles, six championships, five MVP awards, two comebacks and a seemingly endless reel of highlights.
Prior to the game, 76ers greats Julius Erving and Moses Malone accompanied Eric Snow in greeting Jordan, who received a hug from Erving and a golf cart from Snow on behalf of the team.
During the pre-game introductions, the Sixers turned the microphone over to Ray Clay, the former public address announcer of the Chicago Bulls who launched into his patented growl: "From North . . . Carolina . . . 6-6 . . . number 23 . . . Michael . . . Jordan!!!"
Although he departs with the highest scoring average at 30.2 points, Jordan's finale left the sell-out crowd of 21,257 and a national TV audience wanting a bit more.
He made 6-of-15 shots and had just one dunk - from right underneath the hoop at the end of the first half.
With 4.13 left in the period and the Wizards trailing, 75-56, Jordan went to the bench for rookie Juan Dixon. Despite repeated chants of "We Want Mike!" at the First Union Centre, it appeared he would not return. Then, with 2.35 left, Jordan re-entered to a roar.
Fifty seconds later, Snow gave a foul to put him on the line, and Jordan sank two free throws.
The Wizards quickly gave a foul and Jordan exited to an ovation that lasted three minutes and culminated with Washington coach Doug Collins pushing him onto the floor to give a final wave to an adoring crowd.