After the Thunder took Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Friday night, referee Scott Foster faced heavy criticism over several controversial calls. But in a surprising twist, it was Pacers coach Rick Carlisle who came to his defense, calling the public backlash “awful” and “stupid.”
The game was a whistle-fest.
A total of 53 fouls, 2 flagrant, 2 technical and 71 free throws turned Game 4 into a stop-and-start affair that had fans fuming on social media.
Carlisle addressed the controversy head-on during Sunday’s news conference after Indiana’s practice session. He’d clearly had enough of the questions about officiating.
“As far as officiating, 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.”
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took full advantage of the whistle-happy environment, getting to the line for 10 free throws, including eight crucial ones in the final quarter. Those trips to the charity stripe helped Oklahoma City erase a 10-point deficit and tie the series 2-2.
The Pacers coach didn’t hold back when defending the veteran referee.
“The ridiculous scrutiny that’s being thrown out there is terrible, and unfair, and unjust. It’s stupid,” he added firmly. “I’m not getting into it. I’ve said what I’m going to say.”
Thunder coach Mark Daigneault also stood by the officiating crew after watching his team keep their championship hopes alive with a clutch performance.
When one reporter referred to the game having “a crap-ton of free throws,” Daigneault had a simple explanation.
“Well, there were a crap-ton of fouls – that’s why there were a crap-ton of free throws,” he said. “I thought the refs did a good job tonight. Both teams shot a lot of free throws. It was physical. That was what the game was.”
Game 5 tips off Monday evening with the series now deadlocked at two games apiece.
