The Indiana Pacers have dominated the first half of Game 4 and appeared well on their way to a commanding 3-1 series lead. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder flipped the script in the fourth quarter. They mounted a dramatic comeback to seize a 111-104 victory.
The game not only shifted momentum in the series but also stirred heated debates about the officiating. The heart of the controversy revolved around veteran referee Scott Foster, who was the lead official for Game 4. The backlash was so intense that some fans sarcastically dubbed Foster “The Extender.”
Despite the overwhelming criticism, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle stood firmly in defense of Foster. In his postgame remarks, Carlisle addressed the backlash directly and condemned the wave of public scrutiny.
“It’s awful what some of the things I’ve seen about the officiating and Scott Foster in particular. I’ve known Scott Forster for 30 years. He’s a great official,” Carlisle said
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Rick Carlisle on Scott Foster —
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) June 15, 2025
"I’ve known Scott Foster 30 years, he’s a great official…The ridiculous scrutiny that’s thrown out there is terrible, unfair, unjust, and stupid.”
(Via @ByTimReynolds, h/t @Fullcourtpass)
pic.twitter.com/OG1OnMkQPc
“He’s done a great job in these playoffs. We’ve had him a lot of times, and this ridiculous scrutiny that’s being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid,” he added.
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Fans Slam Rick Carlisle For Defending Scott Foster
Rick Carlisle’s strong words, however, didn’t land well with many fans. Fans questioned his motives and sincerity for his bold take. Several comments on social media expressed deep skepticism about his defense of Foster.
One fan cynically remarked, “He’s just reading the script.”
He’s just reading the script
— The Jolly Roger 🤙🏻 (@LosPiratas21) June 15, 2025
Another commented, “Insane chess move. Carlisle is operating on a completely different level.”
Insane chess move. Carlisle is operating on a completely different level
— Zelgaro (@ZelgaroMusic) June 15, 2025
One fan doubted Carlisle’s authenticity, saying, “He has to say this but doesn’t believe it lol.”
He has to say this but doesn’t believe it lol
— hoopsdwj (@Hoopsdwj) June 15, 2025
“PR answer—he knows the truth.” One particularly sarcastic comment read.
PR answer he knows the truth.
— 優木 せつ菜 🇯🇵 | Love Live Superstar S3 SZN (@Nljigakulive) June 15, 2025
“And he really should have won that Oscar for his performance in The Truman Show. I just can’t unsee it,” one fan added.
And he really should have won that Oscar for his performance in The Truman Show. I just can’t unsee it.
— Benjamin Mack (@bennyjet55) June 15, 2025
Game 4 saw significantly more fouls and free throws than the previous three matchups. Foster was assigned as the head official for the first time in the series. Hence, he became a lightning rod for suspicion of the outcome.
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