NBA Finals Game 7 Could Feature Referee Scott Foster, Who Has Drawn Criticism from Some Fans
There is a strong possibility that NBA referee Scott Foster will officiate Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, June 22.
Foster, one of the league’s top referees according to a multi-faceted rating system that includes team feedback, officiated Game 4 in Indianapolis. Pacers fans voiced their frustration with his calls during the Thunder’s victory in that game.
While the NBA doesn’t announce its referees until 9 a.m. ET on game day, it seems likely Foster will get the assignment, given the rotation of Finals officials. He has only officiated one game in the 2025 Finals and hasn’t been involved since Game 4.
Before Game 5, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle defended Foster, expressing his dissatisfaction with the criticism directed at him.
“I think it’s awful some of the things I’ve seen about officiating, and Scott Foster in particular,” Carlisle said on June 15. “I’ve known Scott for 30 years. He is a great official. He has done a great job in these playoffs. We’ve had him a lot of times. The ridiculous scrutiny that’s being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid.”
Before the Finals began, the NBA announced the 12 referees selected to officiate based on evaluations from the playoffs. Not every official will call multiple games, but it wouldn’t be surprising if Foster is assigned to Game 7.
Foster is working his 18th NBA Finals and has officiated 25 Finals games, including Game 7 of the 2010 Finals between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers and the 2013 Game 7 between the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs.
Other referees who have worked just one Finals game this season include James Capers, Tyler Ford, Ben Taylor, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright. A potential officiating crew for Game 7 might include Foster along with Capers, Tiven, and Williams. Ford and Taylor both officiated their first Finals games this month.
In Game 4, both teams shot a combined 71 free throws, with the Thunder attempting 38. The NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report reviewed 17 plays from the game, and all were deemed “correct calls” or “correct no-calls.”
Foster had previously officiated one playoff game for the Pacers this season.
Some fans have given Foster the nickname “The Extender,” alleging that he has a tendency to make questionable calls during the playoffs that extend series. However, longtime NBA writer Tom Haberstroh referred to a study showing “not much evidence at all” of Foster’s role in extending series.
How Are NBA Finals Referees Chosen?
According to the NBA, playoff referees are selected based on their overall performance throughout the first three rounds of the postseason. The NBA Referee Operations management team evaluates officials after each round to determine who advances.
Who is NBA Referee Scott Foster?
Foster is considered one of the league’s best referees. In his 30th season with the NBA, he has officiated 1,675 regular season games and 241 postseason games. His 25th NBA Finals appearance was this season, marking his 18th overall.
In addition to his career as an NBA referee, Foster is also known for his interest in pickleball.
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