Celtics get you-know-who to officiate do-or-die Game 6 against Bucks
The Celtics may be facing elimination in Game 6 against the Bucks. But there’s good news for Boston fans: the league wants them to win.
That’s just … speculation … of course … but it’s common sense to assume the NBA would rather have a Game 7 between the C’s and Bucks than not, especially in a series that’s been as competitive and entertaining as this one.
So they’re sending in their fixer. They’re sending The Wolf. That of course would be referee Scott Foster, who has been assigned to officiate Game 6.
Contrary to popular belief, teams facing eliminating aren’t unstoppable with Foster officiating. Foster has reffed only four closeout games so far in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, and the leading team in the series is 3-1 in those games. That includes the Celtics’ closeout win over the Nets in Game 4 of the first round. Overall, teams trailing in their series are a meh 4-3 so far in 2022 with Foster as the ref.
But it’s not like the NBA is completely rigged! Foster isn’t making series go on longer! What, you think this is deliberate by the NBA? Nooo. Will you stop?!
The important part is that Foster is there to do all he can to keep the trailing team alive. Again, just … opinions … but that’s sure how it looks, feels, and smells. Remember that in the Celtics’ win over the Nets to finish their sweep, Jayson Tatum fouled out for just the second time in his career with 2:49 left in regulation, then the C’s were whistled for three more fouls after that.
So, if the Bucks look like they’re about to finish off the series, Celtics fans can rest easy knowing Foster will insert himself in a desperate attempt to keep the series alive. That’s just the way it is in NBA playoff games. For one game, anyway, Boston will be a pro-Foster city.
But, as the recent results prove, the Celtics are still going to need to play their best basketball in order to force a Game 7 in Boston. Can’t just rely on the refs. Who can? But it’s at least comforting for C’s fans that the powers outside of Milwaukee want a Game 7. We’ll see if they make it happen.
Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. You can also email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
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