The Indiana Pacers fans were definitely feeling uneasy going into Game 4 of the NBA Finals. And needless to say, they didn’t like Scott Foster’s name on the referee assignment.
Known as “The Extender,” Foster has a bit of a reputation for making calls that can influence a game in a way that stretches out playoff series, so concerns were high.
In what turned into a frustrating 111-104 loss for the Pacers, it sure felt like Foster lived up to that nickname.
Scott Foster, the extender strikes once again. 🔥
— Hater Central (@TheHateCentral) June 14, 2025
HANG HIS JERSEY IN THE RAFTERS 🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/3mInFtR208
A significant moment came with just 2:23 left on the clock during the most recent game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed a clear travel (and pushed off his defender too) before knocking down a crucial jump shot that put OKC ahead 104-103.
From that point on, the Pacers didn’t lead again, and it stung even more since that call wouldn’t show up in the NBA’s Last 2-Minute Report.
However, the NBA fans, including the Pacers fans, are stomping on social media and calling out the NBA for rigging Game 4.
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NBA Fans Irate Over League For Rigging Pacers-Thunder Game 4
ESPN’s Tim Legler pointed out postgame that there were definitely several missed travel calls throughout the night. It wasn’t just the officiating, though. The Pacers’ offense went ice cold and struggled to find any rhythm in the fourth quarter.
While neither head coach Rick Carlisle nor star point guard Tyrese Haliburton complained about the officiating after the game, you could feel the frustration in the air.
“How are we supposed to respect the NBA when they blatantly employ The Extender. Mr. Scott Foster fairs SGA, you already have more iconic moments than Katie fairs man,” a fan commented.
How are we supposed to respect the NBA when they blatantly employ The Extender Mr. Scott Foster 🤦🏾🤦🏾🤦🏾🤦🏾 fairs SGA you already have more iconic moments than Katie fairs man pic.twitter.com/Y4Xvm9y03X
— 🐍 (@cantstoposi) June 14, 2025
“I never believed the extender stuff until I saw Scott Foster ref 2 teams differently in the fourth quarter of the same game,” another wrote.
I never believed the extender stuff until i saw scott foster ref 2 teams differently in the 4th quarter of the same game
— Blue's Buckets Blog (@bucketsblog) June 14, 2025
“Bring in The Extender. Get OKC the win at any cost,” a third one added along with Adam Silver’s photo.
"Bring in The Extender. Get OKC the win at any cost" pic.twitter.com/lwt8Ga511i
— The r/BillSimmons Podcast (@rBillSimmonsPod) June 14, 2025
“Scott Foster is nicknamed ‘The Extender’ for a reason. Refs have completely taken over this game and changed momentum,” a fourth one said.
Scott Foster is nicknamed “The Extender” for a reason. Refs have completely taken over this game and changed momentum
— Jo (@MavsStan41) June 14, 2025
“They don’t call him the extender for nothing,” another comment read.
They don’t call him the extender for nothing pic.twitter.com/qOpUoKHZOs
— ²³𝙻𝚎𝙱𝚛𝚘𝚗𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚒𝚜🏀☄️🌎💞 (@BronGotGame) June 14, 2025
“The typa performance Scott Foster “the extender” put up tonight,” a fan wrote attaching montage of LeBron James’ ultimate performances.
The typa performance Scott Foster "the extender" put up tonight pic.twitter.com/l5bkUvUAqN
— 🐜🐺 (@HoodiiAnt_) June 14, 2025
“Scott “The Extender” Foster strikes again,” a user said.
Scott “The Extender” Foster strikes again pic.twitter.com/f7Utgm05k5
— 𒉭 (@Zer0DaHero) June 14, 2025
In the end, even with the controversial officiating, it was the team’s performance that ultimately cost the game. Now, with this loss, the series has been extended. And fans are on the edge of their seats as we head into what’s sure to be a tough Game 5.
