NBA Game 7 Referees: Capers, Tiven & Wright
- OKLAHOMA CITY - James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright have been selected as the officiating crew for Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma city...
- This marks the first Game 7 Finals assignment for each of the referees.
- Byron Spruell,NBA president of league operations,earlier this month called selection to the NBA finals "the top honor" for an NBA official when the list of 12 finalists referees...
James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright are set to officiate the high-stakes Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers, a first Game 7 assignment for all three referees. While seasoned official Scott Foster won’t be on the court, the selection highlights the crucial role of officiating in maintaining the integrity of the NBA Finals. This pivotal decision, announced by the NBA, places the trio among a select group of officials. The trio’s expertise is vital in ensuring fair play during the championship series. Discover more on how the referee’s role impacts the game,along with insights on referee assignments and the evolution of NBA officiating at News Directory 3. What will be the next big decision?
Capers, Tiven, Wright to Officiate NBA Finals Game 7
Updated June 22, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY - James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright have been selected as the officiating crew for Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Oklahoma city Thunder and the Indiana Pacers. The NBA made the proclamation Sunday, adding the trio to a select group.
This marks the first Game 7 Finals assignment for each of the referees. They become only the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th officials in NBA history to be chosen for this pivotal role in a championship series.The role of the officials is crucial to ensure fair play.
Byron Spruell,NBA president of league operations,earlier this month called selection to the NBA finals “the top honor” for an NBA official when the list of 12 finalists referees was revealed.
Notably absent from the Game 7 crew is Scott Foster, a two-time Game 7 finals referee often considered among the league’s best. Had he been selected,Foster would have joined six othre referees who have worked at least three Game 7s in the NBA Finals: Mendy Rudolph (six),Earl Strom (five),Sid Borgia (four),Dan Crawford (three),Joe Crawford (three),and Richie Powers (three).
Foster, a frequent target of online criticism, received support from Indiana coach Rick Carlisle following Game 4, despite the Pacers’ loss.
”As far as officiating, I think it’s awful some of the things I’ve seen about the officiating, and Scott Foster in particular,” Carlisle said before Game 5. “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.”
The NBA employed 75 full-time officials this season, with 36 selected for the first round of the playoffs. The referee operations management team narrows the officiating roster with each subsequent playoff round.
Capers is officiating in his 13th finals series, Tiven in his sixth, and Wright in only his second.This is the second game of these finals for all three.Capers worked indiana’s Game 3 win, while Wright and Tiven were on the crew for Oklahoma City’s game 4 victory. The referee’s role is to maintain order.
James Williams,who officiated Games 2 and 5,will serve as the alternate for Game 7. David Guthrie, who worked Games 1 and 6, is assigned to the replay center in Secaucus, N.J.
Oklahoma City Thunder coach Mark Daigneault addressed officiating from a general viewpoint Saturday, discussing how he and his team respect referees when asked how his team has avoided technical fouls this season.
“The outcome of the game and the context of the game is outside of our control,” Daigneault said. “In between the lines is inside our control.The referees (are) in that category, too. We can’t control how they call the game and what they put a whistle on and what they don’t. We can control a lot of other things in the game,and that’s what we need to focus on.”
What’s next
Game 7 between the Thunder and Pacers promises high stakes and intense competition,with Capers,Tiven,and Wright playing a key role in ensuring a fair contest.