Well, it is official.  WIth two free throws in the second quarter Michael Jordan has now scored his 30,000th point.  But more important to him he was able to come away with a win against his former team, his Washington Wizards getting out to a lead as high as 26 before the Chicago Bulls stormed back to get within 5 late in the game.

Then, in typical MJ style, Jordan made a difference.  With Ron Artest getting a block on Jordan at one end of the floor the Bulls were able to outlet to Ron Mercer, who got Chicago out on a break.  What looked to be a sure layup and an even closer came brought the Washington fans to their feet as Jordan rose above Mercer, pinned his layup attempt onto the glass with two hands, then proceeded to talk trash to Mercer down the court.

Mercer, however, wasn't happy a foul wasn't called.  "I don't usually go diving into cameras," Mercer said.  "He's always going to get calls," added Charles Oakley. "He's Michael Jordan."

The result?  An 89-83 victory and a 1-0 record for Michael Jordan against the Bulls.  

"He doesn't look good in those colors," Cartwright said. "He looks really bad. His natural colors are Bulls colors. There's no question about that."

Jordan is set to visit the United Center, and his statue, for the first time as an opposing player January 19 for the re-match.