BREAKING NEWS: Indiana pacers first game of the Finals was refereed by an experienced crew featuring crew chief John Goble, referee Mark Davis, and umpire David Guthrie. Here’s a look at the crew assignments for Sunday’s game in Oklahoma City….see more

BREAKING NEWS: Veteran Officiating Crew Leads Game 1 of NBA Finals Between Pacers and Thunder

In a high-stakes matchup that kicked off the 2025 NBA Finals, the Indiana Pacers faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 1, held Thursday night in Oklahoma City. The contest was officiated by a highly experienced referee crew, underscoring the gravity and competitiveness of the championship series.

Referee Assignments for Game 1

The NBA appointed a seasoned trio of officials for the Finals opener:

Crew Chief: John Goble – In his 18th season, Goble is no stranger to high-pressure games. He has officiated over 125 playoff games, including multiple Finals appearances.

Referee: Marc Davis – A veteran in his 27th season, Davis brings a wealth of experience with 189 playoff games under his belt.

Umpire: David Guthrie – Now in his 20th season, Guthrie has officiated 99 playoff games and previously worked 10 NBA Finals matchups.

Together, this crew combines for more than six decades of officiating experience, ensuring Game 1 was managed with precision and consistency.

Pacers Edge Out Thunder in Game 1 Thriller

The Indiana Pacers narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, 111–110, in a dramatic finish that set the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive series. Both teams traded leads throughout the game, and the referees maintained tight control amid a tense playoff atmosphere.

Crew Assignments for Game 2 – Sunday in OKC

While official crew announcements for Game 2 have yet to be publicly released, the league is expected to rotate in similarly experienced officials to maintain fairness and consistency throughout the series. Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday, June 8 at 5:00 PM PDT at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City.

Stay Tuned

Check back for updates on officiating crews for the rest of the series as the Pacers and Thunder battle for NBA supremacy. The Finals continue Wednesday, June 11, when the series shifts to Indiana.

For full coverage of the NBA Finals, including referee analysis, player highlights, and game

breakdowns, stay with us here.