Image Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
NBA Finals Game 4 grabbed headlines not for the basketball alone, but for the intense officiating controversy that followed. There were multiple questionable calls that didn’t go well with the Pacers and the Thunder fan base.
At the center of the controversy was veteran referee Scott Foster, long associated with contentious decision-making. During the early phase of the game, Caruso whacked Tyrese Haliburton on the ribs which looked like a seriously aggressive play. However, the ref did not blow any whistle.
In another instance, Obi Toppin committed a foul on Alex Caruso while on the charge. Looking at the aggressive foul, other player got involved a scuffle of sorts broke out. Tensions flaring isn’t unusual in an NBA Finals matchup, especially when the title is on the line and tempers are already high. Playoff basketball is traditionally physical, and this season has been no different with officials largely allowing hard contact.
However, when Scott Foster went on to the screen to watch the replays, he awarded Obi Toppin a flagrant foul. He also provided a double tech to Isaiah Hartenstein and Toppin. As frustration mounted, the Indiana crowd erupted into “Ref You Suck” chants that echoed throughout the arena deep into the fourth quarter.
Flagrant Foul Call Sparks Heated Reactions
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was supportive of Scott Foster despite his side getting some controversial calls. In a recent press conference the 65-year-old defended Foster and backed him calling the scrutiny stupid.
He said, “It’s awful what some of the things I’ve seen about the officiating and Scott Foster in particular. He’s a great official, he’s done a great job in this playoffs. This ridiculous scrutiny that’s being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid.”
Scott Foster’s reputation goes beyond the Finals game. Foster has long carried the nickname ‘Extender’ due to a pattern where teams trailing in a series often win when he officiates critical games. During the 2021 NBA Finals between Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns, the latter were ahead by 3-2.
However, Scott’s controversial calls aided the Bucks’ comeback in the sixth game, thus extending the Finals. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s squad not only capitalized on that momentum but went on to win Game 7 and secure the championship. Even during the 2024 Conference Finals, the Timberwolves avoided a clean sweep in game 4 and the series was extended after some questionable calls from Scott Foster.
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I cover NBA at the Playoffs. I specialize in covering breaking news, Previews, in in-depth analysis (breaking down numbers, complex stats, nuances of the game, and converting them into reader-friendly content). Furthermore, I got into the sports media while looking for an entry into the media industry. I love International Relations, and since entry without majoring in the subject was difficult, I got into sports. Now, while majoring in International Relations on one side, I also like covering sports as part of the journey as a young Journalist.
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