Game 4 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder on June 13, 2025, will be remembered not just for the on-court action but also for the swirling controversy surrounding referee Scott Foster, a figure whose presence continues to ignite passionate debate among fans and analysts alike. Known colloquially as "The Extender," Foster has built a reputation—whether deserved or not—for officiating games that seem to stretch playoff series longer than expected. This moniker took center stage as the Pacers, holding a 2-1 series lead, faced the Thunder on their home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
From the opening whistle, Foster's officiating came under intense scrutiny. Early in the game, Thunder guard Alex Caruso appeared to commit a foul on Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, slapping him on the ribs in an attempt to steal the ball. Yet, the referees, with Foster leading the crew, let play continue without a call. The crowd’s displeasure was immediate and vocal, with chants of "Ref You Suck" echoing throughout the arena. This moment set the tone for a game filled with contentious decisions and heated reactions.
The tension escalated in the second quarter during a fast-break sequence initiated by a Haliburton turnover. Caruso sprinted down the court with momentum, and Pacers forward Obi Toppin attempted to thwart an easy layup by cutting off Caruso with a shoulder bump. The contact was hard and physical, sparking a brief altercation between Toppin and Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein. After teammates intervened, the officials reviewed the play, and Foster declared it a Flagrant 1 foul on Toppin, citing the presence of "wind-up, impact, follow-through, and non-basketball play." Both Toppin and Hartenstein were also assessed technical fouls for their involvement in the scuffle.
This flagrant foul call was met with outrage from Pacers fans, who booed Foster vociferously during the review and beyond. Social media buzzed with frustration, with many questioning the consistency of officiating in the Finals. Just 48 hours earlier, a similar incident involving Caruso and Indiana swingman Aaron Nesmith in Game 3 was ruled only a common foul, despite Nesmith wrapping Caruso mid-air in a way that many considered more egregious. The inconsistency fueled claims that the referees "have no idea what they're doing," as one commentator put it.
Adding to the drama, about four minutes after the Toppin incident, the tables turned when Thunder’s Luguentz Dort drove to the paint and was fouled by Toppin. After another video review, Dort was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul, evening out the physicality and penalties meted out during the game. This tit-for-tat of flagrant fouls underscored the high stakes and intense physicality characteristic of NBA Finals basketball but also highlighted the fine line referees must walk in such high-pressure environments.
Beyond the whistles and reviews, the game itself was a rollercoaster. The Pacers, coached by Rick Carlisle, entered Game 4 with renewed optimism, buoyed by recent positive updates regarding key player Myles Turner’s health. Their home-court advantage and a 2-1 series lead gave them hope of pushing the Thunder back. However, the Thunder, fueled by a resilient Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, staged a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback. Gilgeous-Alexander exploded for 15 of his 35 points in the final 4 minutes and 38 seconds, including a pivotal jump shot that gave the Thunder a 104-103 lead after a blatant missed travel call against him that went unwhistled by Foster and his crew. This missed call, along with others, was later criticized by ESPN analyst Tim Legler, who noted there were "a number of missed travels in this game."
The Pacers’ offense, which had been effective earlier, went "ice cold and stagnant" in the final quarter, allowing the Thunder to pull away and secure a 111-104 victory, tying the series at 2-2. While Foster’s officiating did not single-handedly decide the outcome, many believe his presence and calls extended the series, living up to his controversial nickname.
Scott Foster’s career is marked by moments that stir strong emotions. Selected to officiate the NBA Finals for the 18th time—the most among active officials—his experience is undeniable. Yet, his reputation as "The Extender" looms large, especially among fans of teams holding series leads. His assignments often invite anxiety, as teams and supporters fear that his calls may sway momentum and prolong playoff battles. The Pacers’ fans’ reaction in Game 4 was a vivid example of this tension, with boos and chants reflecting their frustration.
Players and coaches, however, have largely refrained from public complaints. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle and star guard Tyrese Haliburton maintained focus on the game rather than officiating controversies postgame, underscoring a professional approach amid the noise. Meanwhile, players like Thomas Bryant expressed belief in the team’s potential, highlighting the unity and determination driving Indiana’s historic run to the Finals as a No. 4 seed—the fourth team to do so since 1978.
As the series progresses, the shadow of Scott Foster’s officiating will remain a subplot alongside the intense basketball competition. Fans and analysts will continue to debate the fairness and impact of his calls, while the Pacers and Thunder battle not only each other but also the pressures and unpredictability that come with NBA Finals basketball. Whether "The Extender" will indeed influence the series outcome or simply be another chapter in the lore of these Finals remains to be seen.
For now, the series is tied, the stakes are higher than ever, and every call counts. The drama of Game 4 serves as a vivid reminder that in the NBA Finals, the game is fought on many fronts—on the court, in the minds of players, and sometimes, in the judgment of those holding the whistle.
