OKLAHOMA CITY — In the realm of basketball, NBA players dream of clinching the championship trophy, while referees aim for a different kind of accolade: the coveted white jacket.
For referees Tyler Ford and Ben Taylor, that momentous milestone has arrived. Soon, they will fulfill a dream they’ve long aspired to, as they prepare to officiate their first NBA Finals. This prestigious event will feature 12 selected referees, including Ford and Taylor, when the Oklahoma City Thunder face off against the Indiana Pacers starting Thursday in Oklahoma City.
“The white jacket is special, essentially our version of a trophy,” Ford remarked. “It symbolizes the Finals experience. Anyone who’s either participated in or aspires to officiate the Finals respects this.” As former alternates, Ford and Taylor were familiar with the jacket’s appearance and significance, but Taylor made sure to differentiate those from the ones he would earn as a full Finals referee.
“I wrote ALT on all the jackets I had as an alternate,” Taylor explained. “Officiating in the finals represents the culmination of a career. Starting in the minor leagues, this is all I’ve known. The ultimate goal is to become a Game 7 crew chief, but this is an important step toward that.”
Among the 2023 NBA Finals referees, Scott Foster stands out with his 18th selection to the championship series. Following him, Tony Brothers and Marc Davis have been chosen 14 times, James Capers 13 times, Zach Zarba 12 times, and John Goble for his ninth appearance. Others, like David Guthrie with his eighth selection and Josh Tiven with his sixth, join James Williams and Sean Wright, with their fifth and second times, respectively.
“We commend these 12 individuals for their commitment to the game at its peak,” said Byron Spruell, NBA President for League Operations. “Being chosen to referee the Finals represents the highest honor, and this group truly deserves it.”
Courtney Kirkland and Kevin Scott have been named as alternates. Among this year’s referees, Foster boasts the highest number of NBA Finals games officiated at 25, followed by Davis with 21, and Brothers with 17.
The selection of NBA Finals referees arises from their performance during the initial playoff rounds. Their advancement is determined by evaluations from the NBA Referee Operations management team.
The news of their selection was delivered by Albert Sanders Jr., head of the league’s referee operations. Ford and Taylor were unaware of when—or if—they would receive the call, acknowledging it was beyond their control.
“Accepting your efforts and being at peace with the outcome takes a lot of mental resilience,” Taylor shared.
If scheduling remains consistent, each referee will officiate one of the first four games as part of a trio. Should the series exceed four games, the NBA will continue assigning referees from this pool. On game days, officiating teams are usually announced by 9 a.m. Eastern.
For Ford, the Finals coincide with a personal milestone—incredibly close to his 40th birthday, which falls on the day of Game 2. “You work hard for these moments,” Ford said, savoring the symmetry of the occasion, much like he did a decade earlier during the G League Finals.
This opportunity stands as a significant career landmark alongside a significant birthday—an achievement he has eagerly anticipated.