Knicks dealt NBA playoffs blow when infamous referee known as ‘The Extender’ was assigned to Game 6 vs. Sixers

The New York Knicks have suffered a potential blow in their quest for the Conference Semifinals.

Leading the first round series against the Philadelphia 76ers 3-2 heading into Thursday night’s game, official Scott Foster will serve as crew chief at the Wells Fargo Center.

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Also known as “The Extender,” Foster’s unflattering nickname stems from a perceived trend in teams leading the losing games of the Playoff series in which he was involved.

In 2022, a statistic was tweeted claiming that in 21 Playoff games (excluding the series opener), the coaching staffs had gone 19-2.

The news of Foster’s addition to the Thursday night team didn’t sit well on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Game 7 is done now,” said one fan.

“[Jalen] Brunson won’t be taking your calls tonight,” wrote a second.

“Oh hell no we don’t have a chance,” replied another.

While a fourth fan joked that Foster’s inclusion was “bigger than [Joel] Embiid being healthy” for the 76ers.

Foster is currently in his 30th season as an NBA official.

Some of his most notable assignments include 24 Finals, the 2010 and 2019 All-Star Games.

Foster has officiated 19 Knicks games over the past three years, with New York going 11-8 in that span, according to the Knicks.

That includes the 111-104 Game 1 win over Philly.

The 76ers went 8-8 in games worked by Foster during the same period.

This season, Foster officiated 68 games, with home teams going 45-23, with 39 games covering the spread, as per Covers. with.

New York enters this potential series decider after a harrowing 112-106 overtime loss on Tuesday.

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If Philly comes away with the win, both teams will return to New York for Game 7 at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

The winners of the series will face the Milwaukee Bucks or Indiana Pacers in the conference semifinals.

Indiana currently leads the series 3-2 heading into Game 6 on Thursday.

Game 7 is locked now.

User X

Game 6 between New York and Philadelphia will begin at 9 p.m. ET.

The Pacers vs. Bucks matchup will begin at 6:30 p.m. ET.

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