Michael Jordan produced a plethora of thrilling NBA All-Star Game moments in his career.

He was named MVP three times in 13 appearances, holds the fourth-highest points-per-game average (20.2) and is the all-time leading scorer in the midseason classic.

He scored 40 points in Chicago in 1988, two shy of Wilt Chamberlain's All-Star record 42, and he recorded the only triple-double in All-Star Game history with 14 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in 1997.

MJ's most memorable All-Star performance, though, was probably his last, when he hit what was the game-winning shot in overtime for the East team in Atlanta in 2003.

But following Jordan's turnaround baseline jumper over former UNLV player Shawn Marion with 4.8 seconds left in overtime, Kobe Bryant was fouled on a desperation 3-point attempt by Jermaine O'Neal. Bryant then hit two free throws to send the game to double overtime, and the West went on to a 155-145 victory.

Kevin Garnett took over in the extra session and finished with a game-high 37 points en route to MVP honors, but the night still belonged to Jordan, representing the Washington Wizards. He scored 20 points to up his career All-Star total to 262, breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's career All-Star scoring mark of 251.

"Jordan was great in that game. If you're going to go out, that's the way to go out," said Jordan's longtime slam dunk contest rival Dominique Wilkins. "It didn't matter if he won or lost the game, because it was such a great All-Star Weekend. People appreciated what he did for the sport."

Rick Barry, a Hall of Famer who was at the 2003 game, said he was glad to see it tighten up down the stretch.

"What happened was the game got close and the competitiveness came out in the guys, and it made it a terrific game," he said.

Hall of Fame broadcaster Marv Albert agreed.

"Usually what happens in All-Star Games, it's kind of an exhibition game in the first half, with all kinds of high-wire acts, but in the fourth quarter, usually everyone gets serious," said Albert, who will broadcast this year's All-Star Game for TNT. "That was as well-played an All-Star Game as you'll ever see.

"From a play-by-play point of view, it could not have been better. Michael was set up for the game winner, and that was the spot where he wants the ball. It was always thrilling, to me, to watch Michael."

East coach Isiah Thomas was disgusted with the referees for calling a foul after Jordan had just nailed the apparent game winner, but Barry lauded the officials.

"I actually admired the officials to do it. Hell, I was trying to get them to call a foul on me in the Legends Game," he said. "Their job is to call the game. It wasn't about Michael Jordan. It was an All-Star Game."

Even though he didn't net the winning shot, Jordan still dominated the weekend.

Vince Carter gave up his starting spot to Jordan before the game, and singer Mariah Carey, wearing a Wizards uniform, serenaded him at halftime, after which the basketball great bid fans farewell.

"I leave the game in good hands, with so many great stars rising and playing the game," he said then. "I have passed on the things that Dr. J and some of the great players, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, have passed on to me. I pass on to these All-Stars here, as well as to the rest of the players in the NBA.

"I want to thank you all for your support. Now I can go home and feel at peace with the game of basketball."