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Chris Tomasson: Official Dick Bavetta tonight is working his 2,563th consecutive game without missing one. Thankfully he didn't tear an ACL racing Barkley Twitter @christomasson

Referees, Dick Bavetta 

Because the NBA oddly avoids acknowledging anything affirmative regarding its referees, but takes the time at times to spotlight slip-ups, allow me to applaud Dick Bavetta for the following inconceivable achievement: Last night in Orlando, the 72-year-old (his birthday’s Dec. 10) whistleblower worked his 2,500th consecutive regular-season game. Ruminate on that statistic for a second. And now consider this unimaginable appendage: Bavetta hasn’t missed an assignment, excluding 300 in the playoffs (28 straight years) and another 300 exhibitions, since he joined the league in 1975 — and hasn’t once gone postal. We’re talking no sick days to mar his immaculate attendance record. No personal problems requiring a visit to the chaplain. No absence because of snowy flights or death-defying car rides. No “Bob Barker’s spayed and neutered dogs ate my homework.” Thirty-seven years, 27 Finals appearances. New York Post

Referees, Dick Bavetta 

Dick Bavetta, who turns 71 in December, is returning for his 36th season despite persistent rumblings that the league is pushing him to retire. Bavetta has officiated an N.B.A.-record 2,434 games and has never missed an assignment. But he has slipped in the referee rankings over the past few years. New York Times

Referees, Dick Bavetta