Michael Jordan’s last two seasons in the NBA didn’t offer up the same amount of points as his 13-year run with the Chicago Bulls. But even with decreased athleticism and a nagging knee injury, Jordan still managed to reach an incredible milestone on January 4th, 2002 – scoring his 30,000th career point.
The irony of it all
Jordan achieved the feat in his second return from retirement. Only this time, he wasn’t wearing a Bulls uniform; rather, Jordan was donning a Washington Wizards jersey. Ironically, he reached the historic mark while playing the Bulls.
And while it would have been apt had Jordan reached the feat after making a slam dunk or a fadeaway jumper, his 30,000th point came from a free throw. It was an uncharacteristic highlight for a player who dazzled fans and players with his aerial wizardry, but it was still met with roaring applause from both the Bulls and Wizards fans.
Nasty block
Highlights came few and far between in the twilight of Jordan’s career, but that game against the Bulls provided one for the ages. In the fourth quarter, with the Wizards clinging to an 87-81 lead and with only 30-plus seconds left on the clock, Jordan went one-on-one against Chicago’s Ron Artest, who cleanly blocked His Airness’ midrange jumper.
The Bulls immediately got the ball to a streaking Ron Mercer, who broke away for a fast-break layup. But Jordan sprinted back on defense to reject Mercer’s shot with two hands, pinning it against the backboard.