Oklahoma City Thunder vs Indiana Pacers, NBA finals: James Capers named in list of referees, Scott Foster not included
This season, the NBA employed 75 full-time referees including 36 chosen to officiate the initial playoff round. As the playoffs progressed, the referee roster was reduced for each subsequent round, with the league's referee operations management team deciding which officials move forward.
The NBA selected James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright to officiate the match Finals between the Thunder and Pacers. James Williams, on the other hand, is named as the alternate. Capers who has experience in officiating 17 Finals games, will act as crew chief. Tiven, in his sixth Finals, will officiate his 10th game. Wright, in his second Finals, will be officiating his third game. Interestingly, Williams, who officiated Games 2 and 5, is the only referee involved in three games this series.
The exclusion of Scott Foster from the roster has raised eyebrows. He was limited to a single appearance in Game 4 on June 13, where he served as crew chief. The absence of his name from the referees' list for Game 7 is surprising. He has officiated 18 series and 26 games, more than any of the 12 referees chosen for the series.
Foster was criticized by Pacers' fans after their team lost the Game 4. He was defended by Indiana coach Rick Carlisle after the match.
'As far as officiating, I think it's awful some of the things I have seen about the officiating, and Scott Foster in particular,' Carlisle had said before Game 5.
'I have 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,' he added.
Oklahoma City Thunder and the Indiana Pacers will be geared up for the showdown. The officiating crew of the Finals will also be under the radar. While Capers, Tiven, and Wright face the challenge of managing a high-pressure game, Foster's absence, on the other hand, will remain a talking point.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Marco Belinelli Announces Retirement at 39: Italian NBA Champion's Legendary Career Remembered
Marco Belinelli retires from basketball (Image via Facebook / @Marco Belinelli (the real)) On August 18, 2025, Italian basketball icon Marco Belinelli announced his retirement from the sport at age 39, drawing the curtain on a career filled with unforgettable moments and landmark achievements. For fans of the NBA, EuroLeague, and international basketball, Belinelli's career left an indelible mark - both as a trailblazer for Italian athletes and as a catalyst for thrilling game-winning shots. Marco Belinelli's Retirement Announcement Marco Belinelli took to social media to share his heartfelt farewell to basketball. In his retirement message, he wrote: "I poured my heart into this. Every part of me. Every single day. Basketball has given me everything… and I have given it everything I could. Parting ways is challenging. But the time has come. I carry with me every feeling, every sacrifice, every cheer. Thank you to those who always had faith in me. To the upcoming generation - I leave behind a dream. Make it worthwhile." This emotional goodbye struck a chord not only with fans in his native Italy, but also across the globe, from NBA enthusiasts to European basketball devotees. How Marco Belinelli Went From Bologna to the Big Leagues Born March 25, 1986, in San Giovanni in Persiceto, Italy, Belinelli cut his teeth with Virtus Bologna before a transfer to arch-rivals Fortitudo Bologna, winning the Italian championship in 2005. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 15 Most Beautiful Female Athletes in the World Click Here Undo His early years in Italy established him as an up-and-coming shooting guard, setting the stage for a 2007 NBA Draft appearance - selected 18th overall by the Golden State Warriors. Marco's Journey to the NBA and Breaking New Ground Through 13 seasons in the NBA, Belinelli played for the Warriors, Raptors, Hornets, Bulls, Spurs, Kings, Hawks, 76ers, and returned to the Spurs, racking up 860 games and averaging 9.7 points per contest. His role evolved from sharpshooter to reliable veteran presence, and his three-point prowess earned him a spot in the hearts of fans everywhere. In 2014, he made history as the first Italian player to win an NBA title, lifting the Larry O'Brien Trophy with the San Antonio Spurs. Marco's Career-Defining NBA Performances - Game-winning buckets and clutch performances, including memorable playoff runs with Chicago and Philadelphia. - A career three-point success rate near 38%, often providing critical spacing and instant offense. - Belinelli's 2014 NBA Three-Point Contest win underscored his reputation as a lethal marksman. Representing Italy on the International Stage On the world stage, Belinelli was a consistent star for Italy. Debuting at the 2006 FIBA World Championship, he notched 25 points against Team USA. Over multiple EuroBasket appearances, he led the squad in scoring, often being the engine that powered Italy against Europe's best. His international influence encouraged countless young Italians to dream big - proving that one could go from Bologna's playgrounds to Madison Square Garden. Career Highlights and Achievements Following his NBA tenure, Belinelli returned to finish his journey with Virtus Bologna, winning league titles in Italy and contributing veteran leadership. Even at the twilight of his career, his shooting flair and game IQ remained sharp, as reflected in his EuroLeague stats: 132 games, 9.8ppg, and near 39% from deep. His final five seasons in Italy were a testament to both his longevity and his enduring competitiveness. Marco Belinelli's Style of Play and Fan Appeal Marco Belinelli's career is more than statistics; it's about bridging worlds—bringing Italian style and spirit to the NBA, inspiring European prospects, and representing his nation with pride. Winner of championships on both sides of the Atlantic, he's hailed for his clutch moments, creative shot-making, and humility. Career Highlights At-A-Glance Achievement Details NBA Championship 2014, San Antonio Spurs NBA Games Played 860 (13 seasons) Career Points per Game (NBA) 9.7 ppg EuroLeague Championships With Virtus Bologna Italian National Team Top scorer in multiple EuroBasket tournaments First Italian NBA Champion 2014 Three-Point Contest Winner 2014 The End of an Era and Future Inspiration Belinelli's highlight reels - full of dizzying threes, quick-trigger releases, and daring off-balance buckets - helped make him a favorite for both hardcore basketball fans and casual viewers. His ability to light up a game at a moment's notice raised stadiums to their feet. As Marco Belinelli steps away from the game, he leaves behind a legacy that will inspire future generations. For all who watched him play—from NBA arenas to EuroBasket venues - he was a symbol of skill, perseverance, and the global reach of basketball. Also read: Sophie Cunningham Injury Update: What Happened to the Indiana Fever Guard and How It Affects the Team? Thank you, Marco Belinelli: Italy's champion, the NBA's sharpshooter, and a true citizen of the basketball world. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
"Thank you to those who always believed"- Marco Belinelli announces retirement from basketball, ending a 23-year career
Marco Belinelli retires from basketball (Image via Facebook / @Marco Belinelli (the real)) The former NBA champion Marco Belinelli recently declared his retirement from basketball at the age of 39 in a heartfelt social media post. After an incredible 23-year professional career, the Italian basketball player has formally retired. He was a really decorated player. He has won four Italian Supercups, one Italian Cup, and has been selected to multiple All-Lega Serie A teams during his career. He was also renowned for his senior leadership and accurate shooting during his NBA career. Now, he is ready to walk off. From Bologna to the NBA and back, Marco Belinelli retires after two decades as Italy's basketball icon On Monday, the 39-year-old uploaded a touching Instagram post with pictures, uniforms, and newspaper snippets that chronicle his remarkable career. He wrote in the caption: "There is nothing more beautiful." Shortly after that, formally announcing his retirement , he shared another message on social media which contained a video. The caption read: 'I gave it my heart. / Every piece of me. / Every single day. / Basketball gave me everything… and I gave it everything I had. / Saying goodbye isn't easy. / But it's time. / I carry with me every emotion, every sacrifice, every cheer. / Thank you to those who always believed. / To the next generation—I leave a dream. / Make it count…' He had previously talked about his impending retirement in June when he said: "My future? [The title] could be the icing on the cake... Now I need to disconnect and think carefully about what I want to do... Finishing like this is what I dreamed of—winning the Scudetto after a tiring year from many points of view.. It was important to be useful to the team, to be a good captain, and bring the Scudetto back to Bologna. Then we'll see later..." Marco Belinelli is a basketball legend (Image via Facebook / Marco Belinelli (the real)) Marco Belinelli was an important part of the Philadelphia 76ers. During the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, he ended his 13-year professional basketball career with the San Antonio Spurs after being with the team. He then went back overseas. The Philadelphia 76ers, which is known as the City of Brotherly Love, will miss him a lot. The game has meant so much to him, and for that, he played with enthusiasm. After everything he put into the game, he will now begin the next phase of his life. Also read: "I might retire" – DeMarcus Cousins says Nikola Jokic nearly quit before signing $300 million contract Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Stephen Curry dazzles fans on China tour, gifting 400 signed shoes and hosting first-ever global Curry Camp
Stephen Curry is currently in China (Image via Getty Images) The Golden State Warriors ' star player, Stephen Curry, has recently been showcasing his excellent preparation this NBA offseason. Meanwhile, he is also in the middle of his ongoing global Curry camp in China. When the Curry World Tour landed in China, it hyped up the fans. Feeling overwhelmed, the legend tried his best to give his campers something in return. He then presented 400 lucky campers an incredible gift- his signed shoes. Stephen Curry's China tour draws massive fan celebrations with shoe giveaway and Curry Camp launch Following Curry Camp, which brought together high school basketball players from across the nation, Stephen Curry 's offseason tour proceeded abroad. As part of his "Curry Brand World Tour" during the offseason, the star point guard has recently visited China. Over the following three to four days, he will now hold his well-known training camp there. Stephen's brother Seth Curry, and UConn star Azzi Fudd also joined in the fun, as she posted photos from the tour. In the viral videos from the event, the NBA star could be seen taking the court and displaying his prowess. Meanwhile, the supporters showered the All-Star point guard with a loud reception. Moreover, before his trip to China he sent a touching letter to his Chinese fans . He took to X and wrote: 'Counting down the hours until I touchdown in China. These tours have been something I loved since the earlier days in my career. My fan base in China is like no other and I can't wait to share all the Curry Brand activations we have lined up this year.' Stephen Curry is a remarkable player (Image via Getty Images) Later, they arrived at Beijing first, followed by Chongqing, where they were greeted by an amazing light display. Some of his fans also greeted him upon his arrival. He was also welcomed by a spectacular drone show. On social media, videos of the whole event became viral quickly. After filming the trip, the NBA star displayed 400 Curry brand shoes that he had signed to distribute at the camp. By doing so, he surprised his Chinese fans. On the other hand, his tour to Asia will include "Curry Con," a three-day brand and culture conference in Chongqing, China, as well as the first-ever worldwide Curry Camp. Also read: What can fans expect from Stephen Curry's Shot Ready? NBA star legend to release a photo book in September Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
