### NBA Referee Scott Foster Suffers Gruesome Injury During Western Conference Finals During Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on May 23, 2025, NBA referee Scott Foster sustained a serious injury when he was accidentally struck in the face by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort. The incident occurred shortly after the game began, leading to a brief pause in play as Foster was treated for a bloody nose. This unexpected event has drawn significant media attention, highlighting the physical risks referees face during high-stakes games. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Its Impact 1. **Incident Overview** - Scott Foster was injured during a jump ball in the first quarter of the game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Minnesota Timberwolves [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/nba/article-14741565/NBA-referee-Scott-Foster-injury-vicious-slap-player-blood.html]. - The injury occurred when Dort's follow-through from the jump ball inadvertently made contact with Foster's face, resulting in a bloody nose [https://nypost.com/2025/05/22/sports/nba-ref-scott-foster-bloodied-after-getting-smacked-in-face-in-scary-moment]. 2. **Game Context** - The game was crucial as it was part of the Western Conference Finals, adding to the intensity and physicality of the match [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/veteran-nba-ref-takes-bloody-155942637.html]. - The injury led to a temporary delay in the game as medical staff attended to Foster [https://clutchpoints.com/nba/nba-stories/nba-news-scott-foster-nose-injury-delays-timberwolves-thunder-wcf-game-2]. 3. **Reactions and Commentary** - Foster, a veteran referee, expressed surprise that such injuries do not occur more frequently in the fast-paced environment of the NBA [https://sports.yahoo.com/article/veteran-nba-ref-takes-bloody-155942637.html]. - The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of referees in professional sports, particularly in high-contact games like basketball [https://www.the-sun.com/sport/14307499/scott-foster-bloody-nose-lu-dort-thunder-timberwolves]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Injury Details** - Foster's injury was described as "gruesome," with reports indicating a significant amount of blood from the nose [https://abc27.com/sports/sports-illustrated/d5e19a63/ref-scott-fosters-bloody-nose-is-most-gruesome-highlight-of-thunder-t-wolves-so-far]. - The incident occurred just 90 seconds into the game, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of sports injuries [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/referee-scott-foster-suffers-bloody-nose-injuries-early-in-oklahoma-city-thunder-and-minnesota-timberwolves-game-2/articleshow/121350839.cms]. ### Conclusion: The Risks of Officiating in High-Stakes Games **Key Findings:** 1. Scott Foster's injury during Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals highlights the physical dangers referees face in the NBA. 2. The incident underscores the need for increased awareness and safety measures for officials in high-contact sports. 3. The reaction from the media and fans reflects a growing concern for the well-being of referees, who play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the game. In summary, the unexpected injury to Scott Foster serves as a reminder of the inherent risks involved in officiating professional sports, particularly during high-pressure playoff games [https://www.si.com/nba/timberwolves/minnesota-timberwolves-news/watch-scott-foster-bloodied-by-lu-dort-early-in-game-2-of-wolves-thunder].