“Scott Foster LOVES ringing people up” - NBA insider berates ref for questionable calls in Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 7 clash
Amid the Minnesota Timberwolves' foul trouble in Sunday's Game 7 second-round playoff clash against the Denver Nuggets, Timberwolves insider Dane Moore questioned the contest's officiating. In particular, Moore called out veteran official Scott Foster for being too whistle-happy.
Minnesota fell behind by 15 points (53-38) at halftime, with Denver point guard Jamal Murray leading the way with a game-high 24 first-half points. Meanwhile, several Timberwolves starters racked up multiple fouls. That includes Jaden McDaniels (three), Karl-Anthony Towns (three), Rudy Gobert (two) and Anthony Edwards (two).
Foster, who headlined Sunday's officiating crew featuring Curtis Blair and David Guthrie, is widely viewed as one of the NBA's most controversial officials. Fans and analysts regularly accuse the 57-year-old of being an exhibitionist, stealing players' spotlights. Fans even lamented his Game 7 assignment before the contest's tip-off.
Moore later took exception to Foster's first-half officiating on X/Twitter, likening it to a "Little League umpire."
"Scott Foster LOVES ringing people up for fouls more than a Little League umpire," Moore said.
Nonetheless, Foster remains one of the league's most experienced referees, officiating 252 playoff games and counting over 30 seasons. That includes several Game 7s. Thus, the NBA appears to have a high trust level in the much-maligned veteran official.
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Timberwolves looking to overcome alleged questionable officiating, make history by stealing Game 7 on road
Despite the Timberwolves allegedly facing a tough first-half whistle in Game 7, they responded with a 28-14 third-quarter advantage. That cut their deficit to one point (67-66) entering the fourth quarter. They later took the lead in the early minutes of the final period.
Minnesota is looking to make its first Western Conference finals appearance since 2004. Meanwhile, it is trying to win its second Game 7 in franchise history. Its only other Game 7 came in the 2004 West semifinals against the Sacramento Kings.
Additionally, Wolves veteran point guard Mike Conley is seeking to end his Game 7 drought. Conley lost his first four career Game 7s with the Memphis Grizzlies and Utah Jazz.
However, according to Anthony Edwards, who is playing in his first Game 7, he is playing for himself.
"I want to win for myself," Edwards said pregame. "I wasn't with Mike whenever he was playing Game 7s, so that has nothing to do with me. I want to win for myself."
Sunday's winner will take on the fifth-seeded Dallas Mavericks in the conference finals. Denver (No. 2 seed) and Minnesota (No. 3 seed) would each likely be favored to defeat the Mavericks and advance to the NBA Finals.
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