News

12 referees selected to officiate NBA Finals

8 years ago in Sports

Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James (23) argues with official Danny Crawford during the first half in Game 2 of the team's second-round NBA basketball playoff series against the Toronto Raptors, Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in Cleveland. The Cavaliers won 125-103. Photo: Associated Press/(AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

NEW YORK (AP) — Danny Crawford has been chosen to officiate his 23rd NBA Finals, making him the most experienced of the 12 referees selected for the series.

John Goble was the lone first-time selection Tuesday when the NBA announced the referees who would work the series beginning Thursday between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers.

Mike Callahan was selected for his 14th NBA Finals, Ken Mauer his 12th and Scott Foster his 10th. Monty McCutchen, Derrick Stafford, Tony Brothers, James Capers, Marc Davis, Ed Malloy and Zach Zarba round out the staff. Each has been picked at least four times.

The officials were selected by NBA Referee Operations management based on their postseason performance. Referees were evaluated after each round to determine advancement.

MORE: 2017 NBA Finals Radio Broadcast Schedule

Crawford has officiated 33 NBA Finals games and Callahan 18.

Tom Washington and Sean Wright are the alternates for the series.

The NBA Finals begin Thursday, June 1st in Oakland. You can hear the game on KPUG 1170AM & 97.9FM

Copyright 2017 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Recent Headlines

38 minutes ago in Sports

Paul Skenes tops 200 strikeouts as Pirates manage his workload

Fresh

After surpassing 200 strikeouts for the first time in his career, Pirates ace Paul Skenes admitted it was good to get a breather. The NL Cy Young front-runner reached 203, fanning eight Orioles batters in Pittsburgh's 2-1, 10-inning loss to Baltimore on Wednesday night.

2 hours ago in National, Trending

US marks 24th anniversary of 9/11 terror attacks

Fresh

Americans are marking 24 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks with solemn ceremonies, volunteer work and other tributes honoring the victims.

18 hours ago in National, Trending

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk dies after being shot at Utah college event

Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and close ally of President Donald Trump, died Wednesday after being shot at a college event, Trump said. The co-founder and CEO of the youth organization Turning Point USA, the 31-year-old Kirk is the latest victim in a spasm of political violence across the United States.

18 hours ago in Sports

NBA will not rush judgment in Kawhi Leonard investigation, Commissioner Adam Silver says

The NBA will not rush to any judgment in its probe of whether a business relationship between Kawhi Leonard and a California company was legitimate or merely a way for the Los Angeles Clippers to circumvent salary cap rules, Commissioner Adam Silver said Wednesday.

18 hours ago in Sports

NCAA bans 3 college basketball players for betting on their own games at Fresno St, San Jose St

The NCAA banned three men's college basketball players for sports betting on Wednesday, saying they had bet on their own games at Fresno State and San Jose State and were able to share thousands of dollars in payouts.