What Are the Most Controversial Calls in the 2025 NBA Playoffs?

By Edcel Panganiban June 17, 2025 09:35

The 2025 NBA Playoffs have been a rollercoaster of intense competition, but also a hotbed of controversy surrounding officiating decisions. Several calls and non-calls have sparked heated debate among players, coaches, analysts, and fans, raising questions about consistency and fairness in crucial moments.

The Knicks-Pistons Series: The Backcourt Violation Non-Call

One of the most contentious moments came during Game 3 of the first-round series between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. With 5.8 seconds remaining and the Knicks leading 118-116, Jalen Brunson caught an inbound pass in the frontcourt but then stepped back into the backcourt a move that should have resulted in a backcourt violation. However, no call was made, allowing the Knicks to retain possession and ultimately secure the win.

Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff voiced his frustration, stating, “We had a timeout with 5.8 seconds left on the clock. There are procedural aspects I have questions about, and I would like to hear some explanations.” Despite the uproar, the NBA defended the officials’ decision, maintaining that the call or lack thereof was correct. This incident remains a sore point for Detroit fans and fueled conspiracy theories about officiating bias.

Scott Foster and the Pacers-Thunder Series

Another flashpoint has been the officiating in the Indiana Pacers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder series, particularly involving veteran referee Scott Foster. The series saw an unusually high number of fouls and free throws: Game 4 alone featured 53 fouls and 71 free throws, with Foster calling 23 fouls (12 on OKC, 11 on Indiana). Pacers coach Rick Carlisle came to Foster’s defense amid social media backlash, calling the criticism “terrible and unfair and unjust and stupid.”

Despite Carlisle’s support, many fans and analysts questioned the consistency of calls, especially those favoring the Thunder during critical stretches. The Thunder’s aggressive playstyle and physicality seemed to benefit from these calls, adding fuel to the controversy.

Knicks’ Controversial Series Win and John Salley’s Accusations

Former Detroit Pistons star John Salley added to the drama by accusing the Knicks of “cheating” during their first-round victory over the Pistons. Salley pointed to a blatant missed foul in Game 4’s closing moments, which the NBA’s Last Two-Minute Report later confirmed should have been called against Knicks defender Josh Hart. Had the foul been called, Pistons’ Tim Hardaway Jr. would have had three free throws with a chance to take the lead.

Salley’s comments reflect a broader frustration among fans and former players about officiating inconsistencies that appear to impact playoff outcomes.

Fans’ Growing Discontent and Theories of Bias

The 2025 playoffs have been marked by a noticeable decline in shooting efficiency and an increase in physical, stifling defense, leading some fans to lament the loss of fluid, skillful basketball. Coupled with controversial calls, this has heightened skepticism about the league’s officiating standards.

A viral YouTube video exploring the idea of the playoffs being “scripted” captured the zeitgeist of fan frustration. It pointed to suspicious betting trends, questionable foul calls, and perceived favoritism toward marquee players and markets, suggesting the league might be influencing outcomes to boost ratings. While such theories remain unproven, they underscore the intense scrutiny NBA referees face.

The Impact on the League and Moving Forward

The NBA has reiterated its support for officials, emphasizing the difficulty and pressure of making split-second decisions in high-stakes games. Yet, the controversies highlight the ongoing need for transparency and potential improvements in officiating technology and protocols.

As the playoffs continue, these calls will remain talking points, influencing fan perception and possibly the outcomes of tightly contested series. The league’s challenge will be balancing the human element of officiating with the demand for fairness and consistency in the game’s most critical moments.

The 2025 NBA Playoffs have been defined not only by thrilling basketball but also by a series of controversial calls that have polarized fans and insiders alike. From the Knicks-Pistons backcourt violation non-call to the scrutiny of Scott Foster’s officiating and accusations from former players, the debate over fairness is louder than ever. How the NBA addresses these concerns could shape the future of playoff officiating and the league’s credibility in the eyes of its passionate fanbase.