NBA Assigns Capers, Tiven, Wright for Pacers-Thunder Game 7

For the winner-take-all Game 7 of the NBA Finals between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, the NBA announced that James Capers, Josh Tiven, and Sean Wright will serve as referees, with James Williams as an alternate. Notably, Scott Foster, a highly experienced and often controversial official who served as crew chief for Game 4 and has officiated more Finals games than any other referee this postseason, was not selected for Game 7. Despite heavy criticism from fans over his calls in Game 4, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle strongly defended Foster, calling him a great official. Capers, Tiven, and Wright are all officiating their first Game 7 in the Finals, joining a select group of only 24 referees in NBA history to reach this milestone. The NBA emphasized the honor and pressure of officiating Game 7, especially given the intense scrutiny referees face in high-stakes games. The league hopes the officials' performance will focus attention on the game rather than officiating controversies as millions tune in for this decisive contest.