MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – APRIL 23: Referee Scott Foster #48 looks on in the second quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on April 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 113-96. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

...

Cole Sullivan

By Cole Sullivan

0

Share

Newsweek is a Trust Project member

See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.


Game 1 of the NBA Finals is set for Wednesday night, with the New York Knicks traveling to San Antonio to take on the Spurs.

This marks the Spurs’ first Finals appearance since 2014 — the last time they won a championship — while the Knicks are back on the stage for the first time since 1999, with their most recent title coming in 1973.

Ahead of tipoff, the NBA announced the officiating crew for the matchup, and fans were quick to react after it was revealed that one of the league’s most polarizing referees, Scott Foster, will serve as crew chief.

Read More on NBA

Foster will lead the crew alongside referee James Capers and umpire Sean Wright, while Zach Zarba has been assigned as the replay official.

More news: Victor Wembanyama Makes All-Time Playoff History Before NBA Finals

View this post on X

More news: Would the Thunder Trade Jalen Williams? 3 Teams to Watch

“James Capers, the senior citizen who wouldn’t grant Mitch Johnson a challenge despite looking him directly in the eyes,” one fan said.

“Not Scott Foster… anyone but him,” another added.

Another wrote, “Scott ‘The Extender’ Foster in Game 1?”

“Foster favors home teams. Spurs, 1-0,” a fan commented.

“Oh no,” another reaction simply read.

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - APRIL 23: Referee Scott Foster #48 looks on in the second quarter of Game Three of the First Round of the 2026 NBA Western Conference Playoffs between the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on April 23, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 113-96. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

...

The NBA selected 12 different officials for the Finals, meaning that while Scott Foster will be leading the crew in Game 1, it could be several games before he appears again — depending on how the league assigns crews on the morning of each matchup, when officials are typically announced.

More news: Victor Wembanyama Makes All-Time Playoff History Before NBA Finals

View 0 Comments

Request Reprint & Licensing

Submit Correction

View Editorial & AI Guidelines