Pacers fans believe that they’ve found their scapegoat after a losing Game 4 of the NBA Finals, and his name is Scott Foster.
But Rick Carlisle’s not buying it.
The veteran Indiana coach came to Foster’s defense hard ahead of Monday’s Game 5 in OKC, pushing back on the growing online heat and even a few real-world rants from fans and media.
“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 is a great official. He has done a great job in these playoffs.”
Game 4 was a frustrating night for the Pacers. Indiana blew a late lead, Tyrese Haliburton only went to the line once, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took over late with a step-back jumper that many thought should’ve been called for an offensive foul.
Bill Simmons jumped into the fray, torching the refs on his podcast. But Carlisle stayed firm.
“The ridiculous scrutiny that is being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid,” he said.
To his credit, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault kept it neutral after Game 4 too.
“There were a crap ton of fouls,” he admitted. “But I thought the refs did a good job… it was a physical game on both ends.”
And that now-viral SGA step-back? According to the league’s interpretation, it’s a clean gather and two steps. Might he have nudged Aaron Nesmith with the off arm? Maybe, but that’s been let go all series. You start calling that now and many players would rack up more fouls.
Should this have been an offensive foul or travel by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?? pic.twitter.com/TzOYkn8cY9
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 14, 2025
Whatever side you’re on, one thing’s clear: the refs are under the microscope now. And Carlisle’s not afraid to call out what he sees as unjust criticism.
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