NBA Referee Scott Foster Bloodied in Playoff Clash as Thunder Rout Timberwolves
Sarah Johnson
May 23, 2025
Brief
NBA referee Scott Foster bloodied in playoff game after hit to face, as Thunder dominate Timberwolves in Game 2 of Western Conference Finals.
In a wild moment during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals, NBA referee Scott Foster took an unexpected hit that left him bloodied but unbowed. The Oklahoma City Thunder faced off against the Minnesota Timberwolves Thursday night, and in the first quarter, Foster, a veteran official since 1994, found himself in the middle of the action—literally. While overseeing a jump ball between Lu Dort and Julius Randle, Dort’s descent caught Foster square in the face, sending him scrambling to the scorer’s table, clutching his nose to keep the court clean.
Trainers rushed to his aid, arming him with towels and plugs to stem the bleeding. Foster, known for his polarizing nickname "the extender" due to his reputation for officiating games where trailing teams often rally, showed his grit and returned to the game. Courtside, Chris Paul, whose playoff record under Foster’s watch is a grim 3-17, might’ve winced in solidarity.
The Thunder, powered by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 38-point performance fresh off his NBA MVP nod, dominated with a 118-103 victory, taking a 2-0 series lead. Jalen Williams chipped in 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Chet Holmgren added 22. For the Timberwolves, Anthony Edwards fought hard with 32 points, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Minnesota now heads home to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Saturday, where their 4-1 playoff record at home offers hope.
This game wasn’t just about the score—it was a reminder that in the heat of the playoffs, even the refs take a hit. Foster’s bloody nose might just become the unsung badge of a night where resilience, on and off the court, defined the action.
Topics
Editor's Comments
Scott Foster took a hit harder than Chris Paul’s playoff dreams under his whistle! Talk about a ref who bleeds for the game—guess Dort’s jump ball came with a free nose job. Meanwhile, Shai’s MVP glow lit up the court, but Minnesota’s headed home to lick their wounds. Here’s hoping Foster’s nose heals before the next tip-off, or he’ll be calling fouls through a tissue!
Like this article? Share it with your friends!
If you find this article interesting, feel free to share it with your friends!
Thank you for your support! Sharing is the greatest encouragement for us.
