Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took exception to criticism levied at officiating in the NBA Finals, specifically the rebukes of Scott Foster.

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.

Heading back to Paycom Center for Game 5, the Oklahoma City Thunder must outperform an Indiana Pacers team who thrives in road environments.

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.

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,

Caitlin Clark is doubly disappointed about how the NBA Finals are going right now. One, the Indiana Pacers lost Game 4. Two, Clark can’t be there for Game 6.

McConnell’s third inbounds steal followed an Andrew Nembhard jumper that brought Indiana within two early in the fourth. McConnell jumped in front of Caruso, who was inbounding the ball, and came up with the steal; his layup tied the game at 95 with 8:33 left.

The face of ESPN was on his phone during the thrilling Pacers-Thunder game, but he was not looking up NBA stats.