NEW YORK DAILY NEWS, October 31, 2001

Celebs Pack Garden For Jordan's Return

By CLEM RICHARDSON

It was a night for the swells, Hollywood stars, politicians, captains of industry and any John or Jane Doe lucky enough to beg, borrow or buy a ticket.

They packed Madison Square Garden for the Second NBA Coming of Michael Jordan, and when it was over, there was little to complain about: His Airness scored but 19 points on 7-of-21 shooting, missed a crucial 3-pointer in the final 20 seconds and the hometown Knicks prevailed, 93-91.

But the game was almost secondary to spectacle of Jordan's return after a three-year absence. If the high-voltage capacity crowd was not testimony enough to Jordan's megawatt drawing power, consider this - only our local heroes, men and women from every branch of the service and the city's police, fire, and emergency service departments, drew applause that rivaled that showered on His Airness when he took the court.

"He has a charisma about him on the court," said Keith Clinkscales, editor of Honey magazine. "Was it worth waiting a half-hour to get in to see him? It was."

Big Names in Crowd

Before the opening tip, film director Spike Lee's courtside seat drew considerable attention; actress Lorraine Bracco, director Penny Marshall, even Gov. Pataki made their way over to chat with Lee and 12-year-old Jessica DeRubbio, whose father, Firefighter David DeRubbio of Brooklyn's Engine Co. 226, died in the World Trade Center disaster.

Harry Connick Jr. and Branford Marsalis performed "God Bless America" before NYPD Officers Ann Marie Moloney and Carl Dixon sang a moving duet of the national anthem.

Other stars on hand included Kevin Bacon, Joe Frazier, Bryant Gumbel and John McEnroe.

At the outset, the play of both teams was ragged, and even Jordan launched an airball or two. But much to the delight of the Garden faithful, the contest became a hard-fought battle that went down to wire.

MJ said in the postgame press conference that he "could never really find a rhythm" on his shot, and that the double and triple teams the Knicks regularly sent at him complicated matters.

"But obviously, you're still a threat at 38, if they're gonna double and triple team you," he said with a wry smile.

Win or lose, those were there came away convinced that if Jordan can't turn back the clock, perhaps he can hold it steady for another season.

"He's like (Yankee pitcher) Roger Clemens," Greg Jackson said. "He might not be able to throw the 98 mph fastball anymore, but he still gets people out.

"When you start out so far ahead of other people, you can step down and still be better than most."