© Eileen Blass, USAT
Michael Jordan played his final NBA game 20 years ago: "That's not a terrible feeling"
Michael Jordan's final game in the NBA was a bittersweet moment for the Chicago Bulls icon. On the one hand, his farewell came with very little to celebrate, as the Washington Wizards squad he was playing for failed to reach the NBA Playoffs for the second straight year. His final game also came with a 20-point loss, 107-87, to the Philadelphia 76ers—something that MJ had not seen much of throughout his storied career.
But despite the loss, the game was still special for Jordan and the many fans that attended or watched around the world. It was with as much fanfare and hoopla as anyone could imagine, and getting a credential or a ticket to witness His Airness' curtain call was almost impossible.
The actual last dance
It was on April 16, 2003, that Michael Jordan put on a jersey to play for the very last time in the NBA. The colors Jordan had on were far different from the black, red, and white many had grown accustomed to—it was the Washington Wizards' blue and black uniform.
But even with a different color combination, it was still clear that this man was Jordan, and people in attendance and at home paid homage to the legend that helped bring the game to new heights.
The final outcome was just an afterthought, as was Jordan's performance. He had 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists. However, every move made by the former North Carolina Tar Heel was celebrated, and the fans were in a frenzy as Jordan waved goodbye.
Come to grips with his farewell
Jordan checked out of the game with 1:44 remaining and the 76ers well in front. Sixers guard Eric Snow fouled Jordan to get him to the line and finish his career with a pair of free throws.
"Coach (Larry Brown) told me to foul him, get him to the line to get some points, and get him out of there," Snow said.
Jordan connected on both attempts and a few seconds later, the Sixers gave up another foul so that the man could exit the game to a standing ovation. Afterward, Jordan relayed he appreciated everything Philadelphia did for him in his final game.
"The Philly people did a great job. They gave me the biggest inspiration, in a sense," Jordan said. "Obviously, they wanted to see me make a couple of baskets and then come off. That was very, very respectful, and I had a good time."
"Now I guess it hits me that I'm not going to be in a uniform anymore — and that's not a terrible feeling," Jordan added. "It's something that I've come to grips with, and it's time. This is the final retirement."
