Michael Jordan Chose a Special Way to Prove Doug Collins He Could Still Play
Michael Jordan is easily the most iconic figure in basketball history. The man is solely responsible for the global expansion of the NBA and the sport. His career is historic, with six championships, five MVPs and much more in 14 seasons. Although, he was pretty mediocre toward the end, of his stint with the Washington Wizards.
However, there were times when he wowed fans in the nation’s capital. Like the time he proved to Doug Collins that he could still shoot hoops by dropping 97 points in two games at the ripe age of 41.
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Michael Jordan, 41, stunned Doug Collins after dropping 97 points in two games
In 2003, 41-year-old Michael Jordan was at the end of his career. He was on the verge of retirement, but he still believed that he could contribute to his team at the time, the Washington Wizards.
Doug Collins, who was coaching the team, recalled in an interview how MJ once approached him on the team bus and asked if he thought he could still play. Collins, who answered with a yes, then revealed how amazed he was by His Airness’s performances in the next two games.
“He is 41 years old. We play the New Jersey Nets the next night, and Michael scores the first three times he has the ball.
Byron Scott takes a timeout and Michael walks over and says, “I want the ball right there for the rest of the game and don’t take me out until I tell you to,” and that’s fine with me. Then, with two minutes left in the game, he gives me the signal that he’s had enough. I took him out of the game and he came up to the dugout and I said, “Michael! What happened tonight?” and he said, “Well, the guy who was taking care of me told me his back hurt. Never tell me you have a problem, I’ll make you pay for it.” 51 points later. 51 points at 41 years old. He came back the next game at 46 and looked at me and said, “I told you, I can still play!” 97 points. I was absolutely blown away!”
A story that describes Jordan perfectly. His determination and competitiveness never allowed him Leave. Even toward the end.
Jordan retired for the third and final time in 2003 after scoring 15 points against the 76ers
He had his moments in his final season, but even Michael Jordan reached his limit in 2003. The GOAT retired for the third and final time after scoring a paltry 15 points against the Philadelphia 76ers.
April 16, 2003
Michael Jordan played the final game of his NBA career 🐐
40-year-old MJ finished with 15 PTS, 4 REB, and 4 AST in 28 minutes https://t.co/aMcemxcvw5 pic.twitter.com/3g4mOm8I93
— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) April 16, 2021
The end of the playing career of one of the best players in NBA history.
