Jordan Takes Off the Glove, Scores 52 in a Charity Game
CHICAGO — Michael Jordan, in his first public basketball appearance in 15 months, showed on Friday that he has lost none of his incomparable moves since he retired and took up baseball.
He scored 52 points on an assortment of dunks, drives and jumpers, delighting a sellout crowd of 18,671 in the final basketball game at Chicago Stadium, where he’d led the Bulls to three consecutive NBA titles.
“I can still do this,” Jordan said of his performance in a charity game sponsored by former Chicago Bulls teammate Scottie Pippen. “I just don’t have to do it in front of 18,676.”
Jordan made 24-of-46 shots as his team won, 187-150.
As the final minutes ticked off, the crowd stood and screamed, “Michael! Michael!”
Jordan, guarded by Pippen, didn’t disappoint. He hit a fall-away jumper and seconds later weaved his way from halfcourt for a layup.
The final seconds became a game of one-on-one between Jordan and Pippen.
Pippen and Jordan missed their final shots, then hugged as the game ended. Jordan knelt and kissed the red Bulls insignia on the floor.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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