Most people know to get out of LeBron James’ way when he’s running in their direction. Scott Foster is not like most people.
Late in the second quarter of Game 3 the Nuggets-Lakers ran into James Foster as the referee stood to the side of the court. Play was temporarily halted as medical personnel tended to Foster, who sustained a broken lip in the collision.
“You’ve wanted to do this for 25 years,” Foster James mused as he tended to his wound.
James may have gained a few new fans among his NBA peers. Foster is not very popular with the players. in an anonymous survey go run By The Athletic, 25.4% of respondents voted Foster the worst officiant in the league.
His date was with Chris Paul Particularly noticeable Over the years, Paul has called Foster on several occasions. Earlier this postseason, Paul I finish “Foster’s Curse” by catching a 13-game playoff streak in games played and managed by Foster.
If Foster took over the race personally, it wouldn’t show. Midway through the third quarter, a fourth was deemed a questionable fumble on Denver’s Nikola Jokic when he kicked an Anthony Davis field goal attempt but it hit the air instead. Nuggets coach Michael Malone challenged the call but was unsuccessful.
in March , Toronto star He published an article detailing Foster’s shameful place not only among NBA players, but also among fans.
Per the Star,” Former NBA player Matt Barnes called him a terrible referee. ESPN’s Jackie McMullan said everyone in the NBA has a problem with him.”
The article pointed to several specific episodes to highlight why Foster had so many problems, including missed calls on big games and gratuitous ejections.
No referee inspires the fury Foster does, but on Saturday he finally got involved in a play his critics can celebrate.