Veteran NBA referee Scott Foster has returned from a calf injury and is assigned to officiate Game 2 of the Western Conference playoff series between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets. Foster had been absent for roughly seven weeks after sustaining the injury on March 18.
Foster's assignment comes as the Thunder face a 0-1 deficit in the best-of-seven series after losing the opening game at home. The return of the official, known for his involvement in high-profile games, draws attention given the stakes of Wednesday's contest.
During his career, which began with his hiring for the 1993-94 NBA season, Foster has developed a reputation among players and fans. He is sometimes referred to as "the extender," a nickname suggesting series tend to last longer when he officiates. Statistics show home teams have won 59.8 percent of games he has refereed.The Thunder's Game 1 loss occurred in front of their home crowd. Avoiding a 0-2 hole before the series shifts to Denver is a priority for the team, which finished the regular season with the best record in the Western Conference.
The series features prominent players including the Nuggets' Nikola Jokic and the Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Discussions surrounding officiating often surface during playoff competition, and Foster's return adds another layer to the dynamic.
While the focus remains on player performance and coaching decisions on the court, the presence of an experienced official like Scott Foster is noted by those following the series.
