Friday’s Game 4 matchup between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat was a crucial one for both teams. In such an important game, nobody wants to see the referees have an impact on the game. But that is exactly what many fans are thinking about this game due to a controversial call on Nuggets star Nikola Jokić.
Jokić is obviously as crucial to the Nuggets’ success as anyone. A call in the fourth quarter by head official Scott Foster led to the two-time MVP sitting for a crucial part of the game.
He was called for his fifth foul of the game by Foster with 9:41 remaining in the fourth quarter. It was seemingly very questionable, and more likely than not a flop by Adebayo which drew the call.
Nikola Jokic’s phantom 5th foul. pic.twitter.com/Q8F5LyPqQT
— Harrison Wind (@HarrisonWind) June 10, 2023
It ended up being a pretty huge call because it forced Nuggets head coach Mike Malone to take out Jokić for a large portion of the fourth quarter to try and protect him from picking up his sixth and final foul.
For this reason, fans were rightfully upset with the officiating crew, especially Scott Foster. Some even accused Foster of intentionally trying to extend this series in the Heat’s favor.
Scott foster really going to work tonight 😭 pic.twitter.com/Ag5pDI50Wl
— MVP43🐐 (@StepBackPascal) June 10, 2023
scott foster is 56 and impacting the game THIS strongly, appreciate greatness while you can 🔥🔥🔥
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) June 10, 2023
Scott Foster and rigging games pic.twitter.com/XZ2lVyi1JY
— Raps gen⛈️ (@RaptorsGen) June 10, 2023
fyi i tweet the video *only* when Scott Foster becomes the #1 trend in the world. he's #4 at the moment.
— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) June 10, 2023
Scott Foster folks
— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) June 10, 2023
Jokić didn’t return to the game until 4:09 in the fourth, which could have been absolutely disastrous for them. Fortunately for Nuggets fans, a number of role players had a big fourth quarter, including Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon.
Jokic was fired up for Bruce Brown's 4th quarter takeover 🔥 pic.twitter.com/56rOHygKm1
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 10, 2023
The Nuggets maintained their lead with Jokić on the bench, and they would ultimately cruise to a 108-95 victory to take a 3-1 lead in the series.
[Harrison Wind on Twitter] Photo Credit: ABC