Jordan almost inspired a late Wizards comeback

Michael Jordan's farewell appearance in Chicago ended in defeat as the Bulls beat his Washington Wizards 104-97.

It was the first time in five games that Jordan had lost against the team he led to six NBA titles, on probably his last outing at the United Center.

Despite a thunderous three-minute ovation from a sell-out crowd, Jordan scored just 11 points from 4-of-14 shots.

"It wasn't a good ending in terms of not winning," Jordan said. "But good things come to an end. This will not ruin my career, what my career stood for."

Marcus Fizer scored 17 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter for the Bulls, including their first 11.

But Jordan and the Wizards still almost pulled out a victory, reeling off eight straight points when trailing 97-87, with four from Jordan.

With a little more than two minutes left, he grabbed an offensive rebound, drove to the baseline and scored to cut Chicago's lead to four.

Jordan drew a foul on the next possession and made both shots to make it 97-95.

But after a time-out, Fizer grabbed a loose ball and scored. Donyell Marshall then sealed it with three free throws in the last 30 seconds.

"We both had a chance to say goodbye," Jordan added. "Let's move on to the rest of the season and move on in life."

Friday's NBA results:
Chicago 104-97 Washington
New Jersey 89-83 LA Lakers
San Antonio 91-90 Utah
Detroit 98-74 Houston
Portland 97-96 New Orleans (OT)
Atlanta 115-104 Sacramento
Indiana 93-80 Seattle
Dallas 101-90 New York
Phoenix 110-107 Orlando
Minnesota 88-85 LA Clippers
Boston 77-58 Denver