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Wizards 89 Bulls 83 - Washington, DC – MCI Center
Jan. 4, 2002
By Jason Rosenthal
WizFans Game Recap
In a game where a spectacular defensive play will be remembered more than a milestone achievement, Michael Jordan led the Wizards to a 89-85 victory last night over the team he won six championships for, the Chicago Bulls. MJ joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, and Karl Malone as the only players with 30,000 or more career points on his way to a game-high 29 points. However, it was his jaw-dropping block on Ron Mercer in the game’s last minute that secured the victory. The Wizards moved to 17-14 while winning their 12th game in 14 tries. The Bulls fell to a miserable 6-25, 0-17 on the road.
The focus of the night was clearly on MJ. At the opening tip, you could feel the awkwardness of MJ standing next to the red & black clad Bulls jerseys, something we’ve all grown accustomed to seeing Michael wearing. The emotions clearly got to MJ as he failed to score until seven minutes into the game. Going into the game needing only 15 points to join the elite 30,000 point club, everyone at MCI was anxious with anticipation. Even though MJ scored only six first quarter points, his teammates picked up the slack as the Wizards took a commanding 30-18 lead after one quarter.
MJ took over in the second quarter. Scoring 19 of his first half 25 points, he achieved his milestone point on a foul shot midway through the quarter. Ron Artest, the young and feisty Chicago Bull forward, who broke MJ’s rib during his summer training camp, picked up the dubious distinction of allowing MJ’s 30,000th point. This game was really over at halftime, with the Wizards leading by twenty, 57-37.
The (H 2 tha) Wizzo stretched their lead to 26 in the third, however their listlessness allowed the young Bulls to crawl back into the game. The Bulls shut down MJ in the second half, holding him to only four points on 1-9 shooting.
The Wizards’ lead was down to six, 87-81, and that’s when MJ’s flair for the dramatic once again took over. MJ, fatigued from a sinus infection and frustrated from a poorly played second half, got angry. He was blocked at the offensive end of the floor, causing a Bulls fast break. Ron Mercer was poised to lay the ball up in to cut the lead to four before MJ, hustling down the floor after believing he was fouled on his blocked shot, majestically leaped into the air, grabbed Mercer’s attempt, and pinned it against the backboard sending MCI Center into hysteria. MJ then scowled at Mercer while his teammates looked on in awe, then passed the ball knowing the outcome of the game was secure.
Mercer led the Bulls with a team-high 25 points. MJ was aided by solid play from many contributors, most notably Popeye Jones’ 10 points and 12 boards. MJ returns to Chicago for the first time on Jan. 19 to play in a stadium where a statue of himself is erected outside. That game promises to be very emotional, as Chicago fans are certain to have mixed emotions.
WizFans Stat
Here’s the all-time scoring list:
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 38,387
2. Karl Malone* 33,669
3. Wilt Chamberlain 31,419
4. Mike* 30,014
5. Moses Malone 27,409
6. Elvin Hayes 27,313
7. Hakeem Olajuwon* 26,714
8. Oscar Robertson 26,710
9. Dominique Wilkins 26,668
10. John Havlicek 26,395
*active
MJ would most likely have the record had he not spent nearly five years in retirement. He’ll probably finish his career third all-time, passing the great Wilt “The Stilt.” However, Wilt’s unofficial record of sex with 20,000 women seems safe.
WizFans Heroes
Michael Jordan – 38 minutes, 29 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 blocks, 9-24 shooting
After scoring 51 and 45 points in the last two games, as well as 25 in the first half of this game, it appeared that MJ might go off for 60. But it was all about the spectacular defense on this night. The block was flat out sick, ‘nuff said. You won’t see many players catch the ball on a block, much less pin it against the backboard. If your home and the Wizards are on TV, do me a favor and WATCH. Always. Because MJ might do something you’ve never seen before.
MCI Center
So let’s recap. The last three games the Wizards have gone 3-0 at home, while watching MJ break numerous records during a 41.7 scoring binge average. Oh, and that block. And of course, Sinbad on New Year’s Eve. Does it get any better? (I’m sorry, but couldn’t the Wizards do better than Sinbad? But I digress.)
I wonder if Chicago fans realize how lucky they were to have MJ during his entire career up until now.
What We Learned
Once again, the Wizards won a game they should have. While they played like complete dog doo in the second half, it really didn’t matter. The Wizards are now 4-2 without Rip Hamilton (I’m counting the game when he left in the 1st quarter), and they haven’t missed a beat with Popeye subbing for Laettner. Not to mention that two key players who were thought to be contributors before the season, Kwame and Courtney Alexander, have yet to do a thing all season. Brendan Haywood, taken 20th in the draft, was clearly the best rookie on the floor, outplaying high schoolers Brown, Tyson Chandler, and Eddy Curry.
The Wizards have played the most games of any team vs. Eastern Conference teams. It will be interesting to see how this team matches up against superior Western teams, but right now they are clearly one of the best teams in the East.
Up Next
The Wizards will look to keep their recent winning streak going as they play the Los Angeles Clippers at home Tuesday. The Clippers are one of those exciting, athletic Western teams that should be a good test for the Wizards. Last year, the Clippers embarrassed the Wizards as they stormed back in the fourth quarter to win the game at MCI Center.
Have the Clippers and Wizards ever been to the playoffs in the same season?
Email Jason at jmrosenth@yahoo.com
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