The Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd came in buzzing with excitement on June 13, expecting the Indiana Pacers to win. But what unfolded in Game 4 left fans shocked and frustrated as the Oklahoma City Thunder stormed back in the fourth quarter to even the 2025 NBA Finals series at two games apiece.
Friday night’s 111-104 win for the Thunder has sparked not just debates about the Pacers’ collapse but also fierce criticism of the officiating, with many pointing fingers at Scott Foster.
NBA Analyst Criticizes Scott Foster for Officiating Tactics
In the latest episode of “The Zach Lowe Show,” NBA analyst Bill Simmons did not hold back, calling out veteran official Scott Foster for his performance.
“It was just an abomination. It was typical Scott Foster, all over the place, just involved. Weird stoppages, missed calls, calling touch fouls, then not calling somebody getting clubbed in the head. They had no control of this entire game.”
“There were over 70 free throws. Both coaches were mad. Both benches were mad… There was no rhyme or reason,” said Simmons during the podcast.
[embedded content]
One of the most controversial moments came in the first half. During a fast break, Indiana forward Obi Toppin charged into Oklahoma City guard Alex Caruso, colliding with him to stop an easy score. Caruso hit the floor hard, setting off a tense scuffle between the teams.
While the foul on Toppin was obvious, Foster escalated it by upgrading the play to a Flagrant 1. He also gave double technicals to both Toppin and OKC big man Isaiah Hartenstein for their roles in the dust-up.
Obi Toppin was charged with a Flagrant 1 foul on this play.
Toppin and Isaiah Hartenstein received double technicals after review. pic.twitter.com/gxWlv4Xioo
— ESPN (@espn) June 14, 2025
Many felt the situation was mishandled, escalating tensions and disrupting the game’s rhythm.
Simmons wasn’t the only one frustrated. Popular sports personality Pat McAfee also sounded off on social media about the officiating.
“Hey @NBA… these refs,” wrote McAfee on X.
Looking at the game itself, the Pacers started strong. By halftime, Indiana held a 3-point lead, and at one point in the third quarter, they stretched it to 10.
Tyrese Haliburton had a solid night, finishing with 18 points and seven assists, and the Pacers looked like they were ready to take control of the series. But then things fell apart.
The Thunder exploded for 31 points in the fourth quarter, flipping the momentum.
With the series tied at two games apiece, Game 5 is set for June 16. Tensions are sky-high as both teams gear up for what could be the turning point of the Finals.
