Tearful Jordan Says Final Goodbye

Michael Jordan's career came to an end amid cheers and tears as the Washington Wizards were trounced 107-87 by the Philadelphia 76ers last night.

Probably 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 Most Valuable Player awards, two comebacks and a seemingly endless reel of highlights.

"Basketball has been my life," Jordan admitted afterwards. "We've been a great relationship. It's been like my best friend, but sometimes you have to grow up and move away from your best friend.

"Basketball gave me an outlet. It gave me a chance to experience life all over the world, not just here in the States. It taught me a lot of things about life in terms of respect, hard work, determination, achievement, setting goals, a lot of basic things in life.

"It's always going to be there in my mind and nothing is going to erase what I have attained just by having basketball as a friend."

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!" As Jordan shook hands with Clay, a two-minute standing ovation ensued.

Jordan rocked back and forth, trying not to shed tears while staring at the trainers that he turned into a status symbol.

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 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 to countless glimmers of flash bulbs.

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 on to the floor to give a final wave to an adoring crowd.