After a tightly contested Game 4 of the NBA Finals, Indiana Pacers fans flooded social media with claims that veteran referee Scott Foster officiated with a bias in favor of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hashtags like #Rigged and #FosterFix trended as fans vented their frustration, pointing to questionable calls and no-calls during critical moments of the game.
One moment that particularly sparked outrage came late in the fourth quarter when a potential offensive foul on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander went uncalled, allowing OKC to extend its lead. Pacers fans argue that the whistle seemed one-sided, especially in clutch minutes. However, digging into the numbers tells a more balanced story.
According to the official NBA Last Two Minute Report, the majority of the controversial calls made in Game 4 were ruled as correct. Foster, who has officiated more than 1,600 games and has been assigned to some of the league’s biggest matchups, has long been a polarizing figure—especially in playoff settings. Still, no substantial evidence points to bias in this game.
The Thunder took 22 free throws compared to Indiana’s 19, a relatively even split considering the flow and physicality of the game. Additionally, several key calls actually went in favor of Indiana, including a shooting foul on Chet Holmgren that many OKC fans disputed.
While emotions run high in the Finals, especially with a tied series on the line, it’s important to separate frustration from fact. Officiating will always be scrutinized in high-stakes games, but claims of bias need more than anger—they need evidence. For now, the series shifts to Game 5 with everything still up for grabs.
