NBA Ref Bill Kennedy Injures Leg in Magic-76ers Game

Veteran NBA referee Bill Kennedy suffered an apparent right leg injury during the first quarter of Friday night's game between the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, forcing him to leave the court in a wheelchair.

The incident occurred with about two and a half minutes remaining in the opening period, as Kennedy jogged alongside a fast break by the 76ers. He suddenly began limping while tracking the play, then hopped on the baseline after forward Paul George converted a layup that narrowed Orlando's lead to 22-20. Kennedy signaled for a stoppage as the Magic called a timeout, and medical staff attended to his leg for several minutes before transporting him off the court.

Kennedy's departure left the game in the hands of fellow officials James Williams and Michael Smith, who handled the remainder of the matchup without further interruption. The 76ers pulled away for a 103-91 victory, improving their record in a contest that had drawn attention for its competitive matchup between two Eastern Conference contenders.

Now in his 26th season as an NBA referee, the 60-year-old Kennedy has officiated more than 1,400 regular-season games and over 130...