Veteran NBA referee Scott Foster drew criticism for his officiating in Game 4 of the 2025 NBA Finals on Friday, but Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle came to his defense.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle on Sunday decried the swell of public criticism of the officiating that flowed following the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Game 4 win in the 2025 NBA Finals, describing the carping on perceived mistaken calls and non-calls — specifically those involving longtime NBA referee Scott Foster — as,

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 35 and the Oklahoma City Thunder closed Game 4 with a 12-1 run to beat the Indiana Pacers and tie the NBA Finals.

Following the Oklahoma City Thunder's 111-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, the 2025 NBA Finals are tied at two games apiece.

In the playoffs thus far, Mathurin has been averaging 11.1 points on .504/.326/.865 shooting splits, plus 2.5 rebounds and 0.7 assists. He's converting the aforementioned 86.5 percent of his free throws while attempting 4.7 takes per bout, which makes it all the more disconcerting that he couldn't nail his attempts late.

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) shoots against Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals basketball series Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Oklahoma City. (AP Photo/Kyle Phillips) AP