Michael Jordan and Washington Wizards coach Doug Collins began the season with a plan. Collins and Jordan were aware of the importance of pacing the legend so he could play in all 82 games.

That plan, however, is in need of an adjustment based on Jordan's early season numbers.

Going into last night's game, Jordan had averaged 41.6 minutes over the past five contests and played 45 out of a possible 53 minutes during Saturday's overtime win against Boston. For the season, he was averaging 38.6 minutes, which is his 13-year average. Also, he has played at least 40 minutes seven times, including the previous five games. He played 31 minutes last night.

""I can't keep up this pace," Jordan said. "That's the surprising thing of playing 40-41 minutes. Asking me to do that is really tough for me physically, I get tired a little bit in the fourth quarter, which is probably when they need me the most. We've been trying to work my minutes down but Doug has really been trying to give the younger players the freedom to learn with me on the basketball court."

It doesn't get any easier. Last night began a stretch of four games in five days, including three on the road.