WASHINGTON, Jan 5: Michael Jordan did not let sentiment stand in the way as he became the fourth NBA player to score 30,000 points, reaching the milestone on Friday night as the Washington Wizards beat his old team, the Chicago Bulls 89-83.

Jordan, who began the game with 29,985 career points, needed only 15 points, which he made on the second of two free throws with 5:28 left before the break.

He continued his scoring spree with 19 of 29 points coming in the second quarter.

This was the first time that Jordan has faced the Bulls since he retired in 1999 not long after his coach and mentor Phil Jackson left the team.

He showed no remorse for the team that selected him third overall in 1984 and who he led to six championships in eight years in the 1990s.

“We’re trying to claw our way out of the basement,” Jordan said. “If we have to step on other people to move up, then that’s what we do.

“We’re moving in the right direction and Chicago may not be moving in the right direction.”

The five-time MVP became a minority owner and president of the Wizards two years ago and has made a spectacular return to the court this season.

Approaching middle age has not slowed down the 38-year-old Jordan.

Last Saturday he amassed 51 points against Charlotte and followed that up with a 45-point outing in a 98-76 rout of Eastern Conference leading New Jersey on Monday.

Chicago never gained control against the Wizards, but did manage to cut the lead to 87-81 in the final minute.

Ron Mercer broke for what appeared to be a lay-up, but had his shot intercepted mid-air by Jordan.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points followed by Karl Malone, 33,654, and 31,419 by Wilt Chamberlain.

The Wizard face the Bulls next on Jan 19 in Chicago. It will be the first time Jordan will play before his former fans.

Friday’s results:

TORONTO 101 Cleveland 91

WASHINGTON 89 Chicago 83

Miami 89 BOSTON 66

Orlando 109 NEW JERSEY 96

Atlanta 113 MEMPHIS 109

MINNESOTA 93 Utah 86

Indiana 92 SAN ANTONIO 82

LA Clippers 82 DENVER 80

Philadelphia 87 SEATTLE 77

LA LAKERS 118 Phoenix 86

—Reuters