Rick Carlisle defended referee Scott Foster against NBA Finals criticism
Scott Foster's entry into the 2025 NBA Finals created narratives of game-fixing before Game 4 even tipped off Friday. That the game ended in a comeback road win for the Oklahoma City Thunder only confirmed to buyer's of the longstanding conspiracy theories Foster's reputation as the so-called "extender."
When the NBA needs a series to go longer -- for whatever reasons fans have talked themselves into believing the NBA would rig a game -- the league brings in Foster, like Stone Cold Steve Austin crashing a lopsided fight to the sound of broken glass drowned out by loud applause. Or so the theory goes. Only Foster is never greeted with applause. Just scrutiny.
Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle has apparently heard enough, coming to Foster's defense in his press conference with reporters Sunday.
"I think it's awful some of the things I've seen about the officiating, and Scott Foster in particular," Carlisle said. "I've known Scott Foster for 30 years. He's a great official. He's done a great job in these playoffs. We've had him a lot of times, and the ridiculous scrutiny that's being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid."
Carlisle came to Foster's defense even after Indiana lost Game 4 due in part to what some people deemed questionable officiating. But while he does seem genuine in his disgust of criticism against Foster, you have to wonder how much he might be angling to get a better whistle from Foster and other officials who will surely appreciate the support. The NBA Finals are chess, not checkers.
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