Game 7 Refs: Foster Out, Capers, Tiven & Wright In
- OKLAHOMA CITY -- The officiating crew has been named for Sunday night's Game 7 of the NBA finals between the oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers.
- Foster, a veteran NBA official, has officiated in 18 Finals series and 26 games, more than any of the 12 referees selected for this year's Finals.
- Following online discussions, particularly among Pacers fans, regarding officiating in the Thunder's Game 4 win, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle defended Foster before Game 5."I think it's awful some...
James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean wright will officiate the critical Game 7 of the NBA Finals, as seasoned referee Scott Foster is notably absent. The news unfolds as the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers prepare for the decisive matchup, with the officiating assignments sparking early discussion. This isn’t just any game; it’s the first Game 7 in the Finals since 2016, adding immense pressure. Veteran official Foster, who’s officiated more Finals games then most, won’t have a role. Coach Rick Carlisle previously defended Foster amidst scrutiny. Explore the latest updates on this developing NBA officiating story from News Directory 3 and discover essential insights into the referees. What impact will this have on the outcome? Discover what’s next …
Capers, Tiven, Wright to Referee NBA Finals Game 7; Foster’s Role Absent
Updated June 23, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY — The officiating crew has been named for Sunday night’s Game 7 of the NBA finals between the oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. Veteran referee Scott Foster will not have a role in the game.
James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright will be the referees for the first Game 7 in the Finals since 2016, and only the ninth since the NBA-ABA merger in 1976. James Williams will serve as the alternate.
Foster, a veteran NBA official, has officiated in 18 Finals series and 26 games, more than any of the 12 referees selected for this year’s Finals. He had been expected to officiate Game 7 and perhaps serve as crew chief, a role he held during Game 4 in Indiana on June 13.
Following online discussions, particularly among Pacers fans, regarding officiating in the Thunder’s Game 4 win, Indiana coach Rick Carlisle defended Foster before Game 5.”I think it’s awful some of the things I’ve seen about the officiating and Scott Foster in particular,” Carlisle said June 15. “I’ve known Scott Foster for 30 years. He is a great official. He has done a great job in these playoffs. We’ve had him a lot of times. The ridiculous scrutiny that is being thrown out there is terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid.”
While carlisle did not specify the scrutiny, Foster has frequently enough faced criticism from players, teams, and fans.
Capers, who will be officiating his 17th Finals game, will be joined by Tiven and Wright, who also worked Game 4 with foster. Tiven is officiating in his sixth NBA Finals and his 10th game, while Wright is in his second Finals and working his third game.
Williams,the alternate,has been part of the officiating crews for Games 2 and 5,making him the only referee to have a role in three games this series. Foster is the only referee among those selected for the Finals to have officiated only one game.
What’s next
Game 7 will determine whether the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Indiana Pacers will be crowned NBA champions.