Jordan was not his old explosive self but still scored 19 points and handed out six assists.
After a 40-month absence from the game, the 38-year-old Jordan nearly pulled off some new magic for the Wizards as he lined up his long-range jumper from the right wing with 18 seconds remaining.
But like many of his shots on the Madison Square Garden floor, it came up short.
"I feel good about myself," said Jordan. "I guess the difference is I'm a little bit older. The game's a little different, my team mates are a little different and the outcome was a little bit different."
Jordan's comeback is just what the NBA and America needs right now. Ticket sales and television ratings, which have been in a steady decline since Jordan's retirement, are expected to soar this season. TV networks NBC and Turner Sports have already raised the price of their commercial spots in anticipation of the additional viewers Jordan will bring in.
The increased media coverage resulting from his return is expected to substantially drive NBA's licensed product sales - in particular his replica jersey - as well as driving interest from sponsors. Analysts have predicted his return will be worth as much as $100m (B110.58m) to basketball.
The Wizards now have sell-out crowds, sponsorships and more TV dates simply because of Jordan and have predicted they will make an extra $20m (B22.12m). The other 28 NBA teams can look forward to another $30m (B33.17m) from sales of tickets and merchandise.
Jordan's sponsors can budget for $15m (B16.59m) in increased sales while the TV networks expect to pick up an additional $25m (B27.65m) in advertising revenue.
