Michael Jordan's latest comeback began in a humbling manner as he looked mortal -- and 38 years old -- in the season-opener against the New York Knicks. He did not have his legs, his shot was off and he barely attacked the rim, once missing a breakaway layup over Mark Jackson.

The interesting thing is that the Wizards only lost by two points, showing that Jordan's effectiveness might not be directly related to his point total. The Knicks gave Jordan so much attention, that Washington's secondary players got open looks at the basket.

Jordan, possibly trying to relive his Madison Square Garden heroics, didn't find other Wizards late in the game and missed forced shots. But he learned his lesson. In the Wizards 10-point victory over the Hawks two nights later, he only had to take 10 second-half shots and deferred to guards Chris Whitney and Richard Hamilton late. Jordan also was far more active, scoring 31 points in Atlanta.