March 19, 1995

Michael Jordan had informed the NBA of his return with a brief fax. "I'm back," the statement said.

It's the comeback story of the nineties. Indiana Pacers coach Larry Brown says, "The Beatles and Elvis are back."

Not exactly, but close. After taking off 21 months to play minor-league baseball and golf, Jordan is back at guard for the Chicago Bulls. His Airness doesn't walk on water in his return. He shoots only 7-of-28 from the field and scores 19 points in 43 grueling minutes in the Bulls' 103-96 overtime loss to the Pacers in Indianapolis.

"As you can see, my shot is a little off," says Jordan, who wears No. 45 instead of No. 23, which is hanging from the rafters at Chicago Stadium. The No. 45 is his baseball and junior high school number.

After the game, Jordan blasts some of the young players in the NBA for their arrogant and crude behavior.