Friday’s momentous Game 4 showdown between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat held great weight for both teams. In this critical encounter, fans fervently hoped to witness a fair contest devoid of undue influence from the officiating crew. Regrettably, the performance of head referee Scott Foster added fuel to the speculation surrounding the integrity of the game
Undoubtedly, Jokić holds a pivotal role in the Nuggets’ fortunes. Making the fourth-quarter decision by lead referee Scott Foster all the more consequential. With 9 minutes and 41 seconds remaining in the final period, Foster adjudged Jokić to have committed his fifth foul. The call appeared highly questionable, seemingly influenced by an embellishment by Adebayo, prompting widespread doubt regarding its legitimacy.
This particular ruling assumed considerable importance as it compelled Nuggets head coach Mike Malone to sideline Jokić for a substantial portion of the fourth quarter, seeking to safeguard him from incurring a sixth and disqualifying foul.
Naturally, fans voiced their rightful displeasure with the officiating crew, with Scott Foster attracting particular criticism. Some even accused Foster of deliberately prolonging the series to favor the Heat. Jokić’s absence endured until the 4-minute and 9-second mark of the fourth quarter. A situation that could have proven disastrous for the Nuggets. Fortunately for Denver faithful, several supporting cast members rose to the occasion in the final period, notably Bruce Brown and Aaron Gordon.
Sustaining their advantage even without Jokić on the court, the Nuggets would ultimately sail to a commanding 108-95 triumph, securing a commanding 3-1 series lead.
