Basketball: Jordan takes final bow

Michael Jordan's glittering career came to an end amid cheers and tears as his Washington Wizards were beaten 107-87 by the Philadelphia 76ers, who clinched home-court advantage in the first round of the NBA play-offs here on Wednesday.

Jordan, arguably the greatest player in NBA history, scored 15 points in the finale to his 15-year career, which included 10 scoring titles, six championships, five MVP awards, two comebacks and a seemingly endless reel of highlights.

Before the game, the Sixers turned the microphone over to Ray Clay, the former Chicago Bulls announcer, who welcomed Jordan on to court in flamboyant style. A two-minute standing ovation followed while Jordan rocked back and forth, apparently trying not to cry.

Jordan said retiring was like losing a best friend. "Basketball has been my life," he said. "We've been a great relationship. It's been like my best friend, but sometimes you have to grow up and move away from your best friend."