The 2003 NBA All-Star Game remains one of the league’s most memorable All-Star games. It marked the final All-Star appearance for Michael Jordan, the player many still consider the greatest of all time.
The weekend delivered exciting plays, genuine drama, and a heartfelt tribute when Mariah Carey performed while wearing a Washington Wizards jersey with Jordan’s name.
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Vince Carter’s classy move
Fans made a surprising choice that year. For the first time, they did not vote Jordan into the starting lineup. Vince Carter earned the spot instead. Some people urged Carter to step aside as a sign of respect. Carter hesitated at first because he did not want to disappoint the fans who voted for him.
Jordan supported Carter’s decision and said he was happy to come off the bench. During the Eastern Conference introductions, Carter made a generous gesture. He told Jordan and the announcer that the starting position belonged to the veteran. Carter gave it up so Jordan could begin the game in his final All-Star appearance.
In 1998, during what everyone believed was Jordan’s last All-Star Game in Madison Square Garden, he delivered a classic performance. He scored 23 points, won MVP, and led the East to a 135-114 victory. He also matched up against a young Kobe Bryant making his first appearance.
By 2002, Jordan’s All-Star showing had been rough. He scored only eight points on 4-13 shooting and even missed a wide-open dunk. Kobe, on the other hand, dropped 31 points and earned MVP as the West won.
Jordan battles through a slow start
In 2003, Jordan started slowly once again. He missed his first seven shots, and it looked like another tough night might be coming. Then he converted a fast-break layup and began to settle in. The fans finally saw the Jordan they came to cheer.
The game featured a renewed duel between Jordan and Kobe, just like in 1998. At one point, Kobe blocked one of Jordan’s shots and sent the ball straight back to him. The moment created an iconic photo and led to some memorable back-and-forth.
Jordan joked with Kobe about his six championship rings compared to Kobe’s three at the time. He told him that with more experience, Kobe would have drawn a foul on the play. Kobe laughed and replied that he could not argue with that logic.
Their playful exchange showed the big-brother, little-brother relationship they often described.
The heartbreaking finish
Late in regulation, with the score tied, Jordan had a chance to win the game but missed as time expired. In overtime, he got another opportunity. He rose up and hit a smooth fadeaway jumper over the long arms of Shawn Marion.
The ball swished through the net, the crowd erupted, and teammates rushed to celebrate with him. It felt like the perfect ending for the greatest player in All-Star history.
Kobe had different plans. After a timeout, a loose ball ended up in the corner. Kobe grabbed it and launched a three-pointer. Jermaine O’Neal then committed a questionable foul with one second left, one of the strangest breakdowns in All-Star history.
Kobe stepped to the line for three free throws. Jordan whispered in his ear to try to shake him. Kobe made the first, missed the second, and sank the third to tie the game. Jordan’s final shot was blocked, and the contest headed to a second overtime.
The West took control in the extra period, led by Kevin Garnett, who earned MVP honors. They won 155-145.
Jordan finished with 20 points on 9-27 shooting. He passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most career All-Star points during the game, a record later broken by LeBron James.
A bad foul and Kobe’s clutch free throws erased what could have been a storybook game-winner for Jordan in his final All-Star Game. Fans felt let down by the ending. Jordan, however, said he appreciated that opponents competed hard against him instead of backing down.
No matter how it finished, the night gave fans lasting memories and another reminder of why Michael Jordan stands above the rest.
