NBA Finals Game 4 grabbed headlines not for the basketball alone, but for the intense officiating controversy that followed. There were multiple questionable calls that didn’t go well with the Pacers and the Thunder fan base.<\/p>
At the center of the controversy was veteran referee Scott Foster, long associated with contentious decision-making. During the early phase of the game, Caruso whacked Tyrese Haliburton on the ribs which looked like a seriously aggressive play. However, the ref did not blow any whistle.<\/p>
In another instance, Obi Toppin committed a foul on Alex Caruso while on the charge. Looking at the aggressive foul, other player got involved a scuffle of sorts broke out. Tensions flaring isn’t unusual in an NBA Finals matchup, especially when the title is on the line and tempers are already high. Playoff basketball is traditionally physical, and this season has been no different with officials largely allowing hard contact.<\/p>