The fourth matchup of the 2025 NBA Finals was one other memorable occasion through which Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder’s level guard, was discovered in the midst of an issue. This time, it wasn’t about foul-baiting however about committing one and never being referred to as for it.
Whereas the NBA MVP notched up a game-winning efficiency by the tip of the fourth quarter, followers have been livid as referee Scott Foster didn’t name a foul towards the Thunder star when he pushed off and missed a journey on Aaron Nesmith.
NBA Followers Blast Ref Scott Foster For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander To Push Off and Journey Towards Pacers
Trailing by 2-1 heading into Sport 4 of the Finals, the Thunder struggled on offense for many of the evening and have been trailing by seven factors main into the fourth quarter. The Pacers put up an amazing defensive efficiency and tied Gilgeous-Alexander for many of the recreation, limiting his skills as a playmaker and managing to maintain him off the free-throw line for a lot of the primary three quarters.
Whereas Gilgeous-Alexander went on a rampage within the fourth quarter and scored 9 straight Thunder factors, it didn’t come with out controversy. He scored the primary Thunder lead of the second half, 104-103, with 2:23 remaining on a controversial baseline jumper, drawing massive criticism from the followers for himself and Foster.
Ought to this have been an offensive foul or journey by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander?? pic.twitter.com/TzOYkn8cY9
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) June 14, 2025
The NBA MVP clearly appeared to push off Nesmith together with his forearm earlier than travelling again slightly for the jumper over Andrew Nembhard. Foster did apparently discover the contact however didn’t name a foul, leaving followers fuming over the web.
“Time to research the ref that’s wanting immediately on the play. Oh wait is that Scott Foster?????,” a pissed off fan wrote.
Time to research the ref that’s wanting immediately on the play. Oh wait is that Scott Foster?????
— PokerJunkie (@pokerjunkie) June 14, 2025
“Richard Jefferson celebrating an apparent push off. What a joke,” a fan wrote, taking a dig at one in all Gilgeous-Alexander’s largest defenders of his what many name foul-baiting.
Richard Jefferson celebrating an apparent push off
What a joke
— Gabe Moon (@theofficialgabe) June 14, 2025
Foster has now made a repute for making questionable calls that affect the result of playoff sequence, and even ESPN’s Tim Legler stated postgame, “There have been various missed travels on this recreation, little doubt about it.”
“They don’t name Scott Foster ‘The Extender’ for nothing,” one fan reminded the NBA.
“Yep… I figured it might be dangerous tonight, however Foster and his crew have been traditionally terrible. Unbelievable stuff,” one other consumer wrote.
“These guidelines don’t apply to sga,” alleged one consumer.
Properly, one consumer had a special idea, arguing the NBA was biased over aggressive performs by the defenders and offensive gamers.
“NBA doesn’t let defenders play aggressively however offensive performs can do that shit no drawback. It’s a transparent double commonplace that the NBA hasn’t executed something to repair,” they wrote.
NBA doesn’t let defenders play aggressively however offensive performs can do that shit no drawback. It’s a transparent double commonplace that the NBA hasn’t executed something to repair. https://t.co/Ek4oEW481b
— Licensed SadBoi🥶 (@AstroxB0i) June 14, 2025
Both manner, the foul may not have had a lot affect on the sport, given how good Gilgeous-Alexander had began taking part in by the fourth quarter, scoring 15 of the Thunder’s ultimate 16 factors as they leveled the sequence with a 111-104 win. Nevertheless it’s price noting that the Thunder by no means trailed after that jumper.
Gilgeous-Alexander ultimately completed with a game-high 35 factors, three rebounds, and three steals. He was 12-of-24 capturing, and whereas he hit all 10 of his free-throw makes an attempt, he didn’t report an help for the primary time in 5 years.
