Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

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Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

The road to his return

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

I'll follow.

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

Thanks, Hope you dig it.

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

Preseason Hightlights

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

washingtoneagle.com

GAME PREVIEW

Washington (0-0) @ New York (0-0)

Knicks Update - The Knicks have been on a downward spiral since their appearance in the '99 Finals, last year getting eliminated 3-2 in the first round of the playoffs by the lower seeded Toronto Raptors. Larry Johnson and Luc Longley have retired, and Glen Rice has been traded to Houston. In the offseason they added Clarence Weatherspoon, Shandon Anderson, and Howard Eisley, which probably isn't enough to stem the tide. Star guards Latrell Spewell and Allan Houston remain, but defensive hub Marcus Camby is out (plantar fasciltis), so the paint will look much more inviting than usual. Washington should try and take advantage of this as best they can in order to secure an easier win against a team they may be in stiff competition with come April.

Wizards Update - Outside of His Airness, the new look Wizards did not impress during the preseason, compiling a 2-6 record and getting handily beaten in their last two exhibitions (i.e. when teams start getting serious) against Toronto and Boston. Michael Jordan's overall October numbers weren't mind-blowing (22.3 ppg, .454 FG%) -- a step or two down from his career averages, but he's still working his way back into form after being out of his Nikes for three and a half years. Rookie center Brendan Haywood is on the injured list with a torn ligament in his left thumb, and shouldn't be back for at least three weeks. - Steve Caas

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

Jordan massacred in the Garden

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

washingtoneagle.com

GAME PREVIEW

Washington (0-1) @ Atlanta (1-0)

Hawks Update- The Hawks are supposed to be improved, but their 110-91 victory on the road against the Rockets to open the season still raised a few eyebrows. Main offensive cog Shareef Abdur-Rahim had 31 points, and emerging guard Jason Terry had 23. The players they got back from the Mutombo trade late last year (Toni Kukoc, Theo Ratliff, Nazr Mohammed) could make them a playoff team again.

Wizards Update- Lost in the hubbub of Michael Jordan's first official game was No. 1 draft pick Kwame Brown reinjuring his sprained ankle against the Knicks. He won't play tonight, and is listed as day-to-day. The Wizards will probably return to the starting lineup they've used for most of the preseason, although one wonders if Courtney Alexander, who was supposed to be a bench player, will be the one removed after his 24 point performance in the opener. - Steve Caas

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

Jordan, Wizards crushed by Hawks

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

GAME PREVIEW

Philadelphia (0-2) @ Washington (0-2)

Sixers Update- Be thankful that Jordan-Iverson I has been postponed. It may sound strange to say, but the Wizards should beat the Eastern Conference champions tonight. No team in the league is more decimated by injuries at the moment than Pilly, with three of their most important players (Allen Iverson, Eric Snow, and Aaron McKie) having yet to play this season. The Wizards would be wise to not underestimate them however, as Larry Brown is still in charge, and this still could be the toughest defense they've faced so far.

Wizards Update- After a depressing inaugural road trip, the Wizards are hoping some home cooking will help change their fortunes. While it may be easy to get caught up in all the criticism, Michael Jordan is averaging 21.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists -- great numbers for any age, phenomenal ones for about any 38 year old professional player that has ever played. If he can continue producing at this level and the Wizards keep losing, more fault will rest on Jordan the GM. -- Steve Caas

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

Sixers stun Wizards in home opener

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

washingtoneagle.com

GAME PREVIEW

Washington (0-3) @ Detroit (2-1)

Pistons Update- In theory, another team the Wizards should beat. The Pistons finished last season with a 32-50 record, but with new recruits Jon Barry and Cliff Robinson, they may not be the same squad. So far they've won two of their first three games. Fellow North Carolina alum Jerry Stackhouse (29.8ppg in 2000-01) is probably looking forward to resume his professional rivalry with Mr. Jordan, now that he isn't so wet behind the ears.

Wizards Update- With all the gloom and doom being bandied about, there have been some positive developments. Christian Laettner, who looked comatose through most of the preseason has been a solid contributor, especially on the boards, averaging 11 a game so far -- fifth best in the league. Doug Collins said that Tyronn Lue, who had 14 points off the bench against both the Sixers and the Hawks, would probably start tonight at point guard instead of superstruggling Chris Whitney. - Steve Caas

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

Wizards still winless in Detroit

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

washingtoneagle.com

GAME PREVIEW

Washington (0-4) @ Boston (4-0)

Celtics Update- Get it straight, the Wizards probably won't secure their first win tonight. The Celtics are so far undefeated in the early season and appear to be operating on a level the Wizards might never reach. Jordan rival Paul Pierce is averaging 29.0 points a game, while Jordan Comeback Camp 2 regular Antoine Walker is averaging 23.3. It will most likely be another rough night to get baskets; the Celtics are 4th in the league on that end of the court, giving up only 85 points a game.

Wizards Update- It'd be nice if the Wizards made it interesting, but let's face it, Michael Jordan vs. Paul Pierce should be exciting enough. In their preseason matchup Pierce was a nonfactor, while Jordan had 21 points. Tonight's game may be a different story, since it actually counts. - Steve Caas

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Re: Michael Jordan's Final Comeback, Rewritten

Wizards nearly snag a storybook first win

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