The Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers squared off tonight at the Kia Center in a highly anticipated heavyweight clash. But the buzz quickly shifted from the court action to a shocking moment in the first quarter. Veteran referee Bill Kennedy exited the game in a wheelchair, something no one saw coming when he tipped off the ball tonight. So what happened?

Why did Bill Kennedy leave the game? What injury did he suffer?

The incident unfolded late in the first quarter, with 2:38 remaining on the clock. During a Philadelphia 76ers fast break, referee Bill Kennedy collapsed to his knees in what looked like a non-contact injury while running the floor.

He dropped further during the ensuing timeout, prompting an immediate response from the Sixers’ medical team.

Kennedy was later seen exiting the arena in a wheelchair, accompanied by team medical personnel, a towel draped over his shoulders, and visibly grimacing in pain.

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The exact nature of the injury remains unclear, but it appears serious for the veteran official, who boasts over 1,420 regular-season games of experience.

Bill Kennedy was later ruled out for the game with a right leg injury. Now, it remains to be seen how long this injury will keep the 59-year-old on the sidelines.

Hopefully, it’s not for too long, given that he has been one of the best officials in the league, not just this season but for several years now.

Has Bill Kennedy suffered an Achilles injury?

Right now, it’s hard to tell the nature of the 59-year-old’s injury, but according to 76ers reporters, Tony Jones might have provided everyone with an interesting update as he asked Sixers head coach Nick Nurse about some insight on the official’s ugly exit from the court during the game.

“Nick Nurse said he heard some rumblings of an Achilles injury for referee Bill Kennedy. “Let’s hope it’s not that,” Nurse said,” Jones posted on X.

This could be truly devastating for Kennedy, as he has developed a reputation for communicating clearly with the players and coaches, something that many officials lack these days. In fact, not too long ago, Boston Celtics’ head coach Joe Mazzulla stated that he challenged a late-game call just because he wanted to hear Bill Kennedy.

That should tell almost everything you need to know about the official’s incredible reputation around the league. This is his 26th season in the league, and he also has plenty of playoff officiating experience.

Kennedy has officiated 139 playoff games and six NBA Finals series. Here’s hoping for his swift return. In the meantime, his fellow referees must step up as the season intensifies—including tonight’s intriguing matchup between Orlando and Philadelphia.