If the common people want to drink shots and eat well on the evening of December 31, Michael Jordan had another desire in 2001: to taste the Nets and sign a memorable performance. And unsurprisingly, he did, with the manner.
For his second return to the NBA in the fall of 2001, Michael Jordan is beyond its premium. MJ is 38 years old, he is surrounded by a weak team, he has not played since the coronation of 1998 … and yet he is animated by his eternal rage. To prove to the skeptics that he is still the GOAT, Jordan brings his Wizards to a positive balance at the dawn of the end of the year.
On December 29, to drive the point home, he signed a first resounding feat by passing 51 points to the Hornets! Remember that at that time, the pace was slower in the NBA, the 3 points much less common, and such scoring cards are much rarer. But for Her Majesty, nothing is too hard.
With this performance which earned him the adoration of the press, Jordan turned to the next match, which will be played on the evening of December 31. Opposite, the New Jersey Nets are waiting for him, with Jason Kidd, Kenyon Martin and others. And there again, the magic operates.
Hot boiling, MJ clears the baskets, even allowing himself a personal run of 22 points for the Wizards between the end of the 2nd quarter and the middle of the 3rd. In 38 minutes, he scored a total of 45 pawns, captures 10 rebounds, delivers 7 assists, steals 3 balls and signs a +/- of +26. The legendary number 23 thus ends the year 2001 with 96 points in 2 games, 2 victories obviously…
Beyond the numbers, the visual impression is striking. So we let you enjoy the highlights of this man very close to his 39 years, who mystifies players 10 or 15 years younger. Great art:
If history will obviously retain the “bonus” Michael Jordan of the Bulls, his time at the Wizards should not be forgotten. Genius, quite simply.
