Four days after turning 40, Michael Jordan scored 43 points in 43 minutes.
Jordan became the first 40-year-old in NBA history to score 40 or more points, also hitting the game-winning shot as the host Washington Wizards beat the New Jersey Nets 89-86 Friday night.
Already the oldest player in NBA history to score 40, Jordan made 18-of-30 shots and 7-of-8 free throws.
He also made the hustle move of the night, sprawling on the floor to save the ball after making a steal in the first quarter.
Jordan’s driving layup with 34 seconds to play put Wizards ahead 87-86.
Richard Jefferson scored 25 points to lead the Nets.
RESULTS, FRIDAY’S SYNOPSIS
Bulls 96 at Orlando 110
Complete Bulls coverage, Pages 1, 4.
New Jersey 86 at Washington 89
Wizards forward Etan Thomas got whacked in left eye and cheekbone and had to leave the game for X-rays.
Phoenix 89 at Toronto 92
Raptors’ Antonio Davis had 22 points, including the final four of the game. Suns have lost 4-of-5 since the All-Star break.
Philadelphia 119 at Cleveland 99
Allen Iverson matched a season-high with 41 points as Sixers won their 15th straight against Cavaliers.
Detroit 96 at Minnesota 103
Kevin Garnett had 34 points and 16 rebounds as Timberwolves set a franchise record with 13 consecutive home wins.
Dallas 100 at Houston 85
Mavericks win their fifth straight game in sweeping (fourth time) the Rockets for the season.
Memphis 123 at New Orleans 125
Jamal Mashburn ended 50-point performance by grabbing his rebound and sinking a jumper with 1 second left in OT for win.
New York at Golden State, late
Warriors won at NY, 113-107, Feb. 12. Gilbert Arenas scored 25 points in the victory, while Allan Houston led Knicks with 32.
Milwaukee at Seattle, late
Gary Payton watches as a visitor after 12 1/2-year career with Sonics ended Wed. with trade to Bucks involving Ray Allen.
Portland at L.A. Lakers, late
Split 1st 2 with each holding home court. Kobe Bryant notched triple-double (33 pts, 14 rebs, 12 asts.) in LA 98-95 win Nov. 3.
