NBA`s Gift to Jordan

In his 14th and final appearance, Jordan started the NBA All-Star game Sunday night, and he performed fantastically.

The All-star game took place yesterday in the Philips Arena, the home court of Atlanta Hawks. Michael Jordan scored 20 points in the first 36 minutes of this All-star game, becoming the leading scorer in All-Star history, and broke the previous record of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (251 pts.)

This was the last All-star game for Jordan who pronounced that he would not play in the game any more. In the half-time show, Mariah Carey sang her 1993 mega-hit "Hero" as part of a tribute to Michael Jordan.

Carey introduced Jordan to the stage. On the stage, he said that he felt happy he could go back with a comfortable feeling. He also said "Thank you" to his family members and friends who have helped him. Then, he promised to give to the next generation of players what he has received so far. Then, he got a rousing standing ovation from the 20,000 audience for 9 minutes.

With 3.1 billion people watching around the world, the final word came from the West in its 155-145 double-overtime victory over the East.

Kevin Garnett`s 37 points earned him the MVP. He was in the West lineup.

Sang-Ho Kim hyangsan@donga.com