(My Sportsbook) - It's becoming increasingly apparent that Michael Jordan is determined to get to the playoffs in his final NBA season.

Just 24 hours after injuring his back, Jordan played 24 minutes and finished with 10 points and nine rebounds in the Wizards' 99-80 victory over the hapless Los Angeles Clippers.

"I wanted to get out there," Jordan said. "I had a lot of people telling me not to, because they felt like it would damage long-term value. I said 'I don't have long-term value.'"

Perhaps the Wizards could have dealt with the less-than-threatening Clippers, who are playing without Elton Brand, with Jordan in street clothes. However, after losses this week to Toronto and Miami, Jordan felt there was no room for error.

"That had a lot to do with it," Jordan said. "We can't lose another game to a team we're capable of beating. Sometimes it's just good to have a big brother around, just for support. That's why I wanted to play."

Jordan was clearly limited by his ailment. He moved gingerly and was in obvious pain. Jordan shot just 4-of-14 from the floor, but stuck to Los Angeles' Quentin Richardson like glue. His brain for the game enabled him to be an asset despite physical limitations.

"In terms of limiting what I could do, this is probably the worst I've had in a while," Jordan said. "I was basic. I took a shot when I was open. I swear I don't think I jumped a foot off the ground to get a rebound. I just boxed out and the ball came to me."

Jerry Stackhouse and Larry Hughes scored 20 points apiece in the victory.

"If Michael wants to play, Michael is going to play," Wizards coach Doug Collins said. "Who is going to tell Michael Jordan that when he wants to play a basketball game -- 'No, you can't play.'"

Jordan hopes to be ready for Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Wizards and Bucks are currently tied for the eighth and final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. Milwaukee owns the tiebreaker over the Wizards due to a better conference record.