Rockets Fans Fear Unfair Game 7 Edge for Stephen Curry After Adam Silver’s Latest Move

When it comes to officiating, many referees have built a positive image with the players and in extension, with the fans. But the rest? Well, let’s just say they have a reputation. However, for some, it’s their calls that have worked the penmanship. Take the NBA veteran referee– Tony Brothers! In April 2023, Bleacher Report conducted a survey of 108 NBA players for the best and the worst referees. No doubt, Scott Foster, another veteran of the league, won the most votes for the worst. And right behind him was Brothers. Now let’s understand why the players and the fans are not exactly thrilled whenever his name comes up for a big game.

Last year, when the Dallas Mavericks hosted the Phoenix Suns, they had their mind set on showcasing their brand of “beautiful basketball,” led by Luka Doncic. However, with 0.8 seconds left in the game tied at 113-113, Brothers blew the whistle. Not only did that controversial call take away everyone’s chance to see the action-filled game extend into overtime, for the Mavericks fans, the call meant losing the game. No doubt, over his 30 years in the NBA, Tony has certainly made enemies out of some players. 

The 2025 NBA playoffs have been swarmed by controversial calls by the officiating crew. For the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry, it has been worse, who continues to deal with his thumb injury as the Houston Rockets players continue to aim at it, without any fouls called at them. Entering Toyota Center on Sunday for Game 7, the Dub Nation is expecting a blowout win at the hands of an explosive Curry to silence Houston. However, Commissioner Adam Silver himself seems to be brewing a grand scheme as far as the Rockets fans are believing! 

The NBA Referee Operations management team added fuel to the fire on Saturday with its latest announcement. The league released the official list of referees for the Conference Semifinals. Not surprisingly, familiar names like Tony Brothers (crew chief), James Williams (referee), Kevin Scott (umpire), and Ray Acosta (alternate) made the cut. While most do not seem to have a problem with Williams and Scott, feelings are not the same for Tony.

Entering his 30th NBA season, Brothers has an experience of officiating 1,690 regular season and 187 playoff games, including 16 NBA Finals Games. However, his tendency to make calls in unexpected moments has continued to put him under the bad light. Naturally, fans had thoughts when he came up in the list.

Rockets fans call out Adam Silver as Stephen Curry supposedly finds the edge in Game 7

“Hahaha TONY BROTHERS..Phone call was made..I’d guess who is at the replay center who ain’t here,” a fan wrote on X. Tony Brothers’ Game 7 nod has tongues wagging. Some fans allege bias toward Curry, even whispering about Adam Silver‘s puppeteering. Memories of a March 2019 clash stand out. Brothers whistled CJ McCollum for a phantom foul on Stephen Curry’s three, tipping free-throw odds in Golden State’s favor.

Meanwhile, another Rockets fan gave their verdict: “Oh yeah, we lost.” They are uneasy as familiar officials return for Game 7. With names like Scott Foster circling, memories of controversial calls against the Warriors resurface. History whispers, and Houston fears the whistle might favor Golden State again.

The “Brothers😐” reaction says it all. Rockets fans aren’t thrilled to see Tony Brothers officiating Game 7, especially given his questionable calls in high-stakes matchups. Many believe he leans toward superstar treatment, particularly with Stephen Curry. Add past “personal” tensions with Chris Paul and a few infamous non-calls, and Houston fans are understandably anxious as their team prefers a physical game.

Another fan wrote: “Welp, I knew brothers or foster would be on this crew.” Scott Foster, dubbed “The Extender” for his reported tendency to make calls that extend series, especially in favor of stars like Stephen Curry, has stirred fan frustration. While he is not in the list for this game, Tony’s presence is certainly going to keep many on their toes.

Lastly, someone commented: “Oh, BROTHERS, this guy stinks.” Well, the fans have surely found their reasons to be upset with Adam Silver’s decision regarding the officiating crew. However, it is important to note that it is not Silver’s decision but the NBA Referee Operations’ decision. Where Tony Brothers is under the negative light, the game is about to take a heated turn. You can foresee it.