After the Rockets narrowly lost Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals in controversial fashion, James Harden asked for a “fair chance” from referees. Unfortunately for the 2018 NBA MVP, his least favorite official, Scott Foster, will be on the floor for Game 2. Harden argued Foster should no longer be allowed to call Houston’s games earlier this year.
Foster last officiated a Rockets game in February, when Houston surrendered a 19-point lead to the Lakers and went on to lose. After the game, Harden called Foster “rude and arrogant,” and referenced his involvement in the 2018 Western Conference Finals.
“Scott Foster, man. I never really talk about officiating or anything like that, but just rude and arrogant. I mean, you aren’t able to talk to him throughout the course of the game, and it’s like, how do you build that relationship with officials? And it’s not even that call. It’s just who he is on that floor.
…. In the Western Conference Finals I think he officiated a couple of our games – it’s just lingering. It has to be looked at….. For sure, it’s personal. For sure. I don’t think he should be able to even officiate our games anymore, honestly.”
The Rockets lost all three of the Western Conference Finals games Foster officiated in 2018, including Game 7. It was reported on Monday that Houston charged a team of analysts to audit Game 7 following the loss, and determined that officials cost the team 18 points in the game. The Rockets lost 101-92, and according to the team’s report, a team of officials including Foster “likely changed the NBA champion.”
Game 2 of the Rockets-Warriors series will begin at 10:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
