Bavetta retires after career where he never missed game

NEW YORK (AP) - NBA referee Dick Bavetta is retiring after a 39-year career in which he never missed an assignment.

Bavetta officiated a record 2,635 consecutive regular-season games after starting his NBA career Dec. 2, 1975. He also worked 270 playoff games, including 27 in the NBA Finals.

NBA president Rod Thorn said Tuesday in a statement the league is "grateful for his contributions to our league, and we wish him the best as he enjoys his well-earned retirement."

Bavetta, 74, also worked the 1992 Olympics, the first involving NBA players, and officiated in leagues in New York and New Jersey. He is most proud of his streak, which last season surpassed even the 2,632 consecutive games played by baseball ironman Cal Ripken Jr.

Said Bavetta: "It really has been a great run."