Two officials, Ford and Taylor, chosen to officiate the NBA Finals for the initial time.
Getting Their Big Break: Newcomers Ford and Taylor About to Make History at the NBA Finals
It's all about the gold trophy and the ring for players, but for referees, they receive a white jacket. This year, Tyler Ford and Ben Taylor are set to don that iconic jacket as they take their place on the court as official refs at basketball's biggest stage––the NBA Finals.
Announced on Tuesday, the duo are among the 12 officials chosen to officiate the playoffs between the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder, slated to begin this Thursday at the Thunder's home arena.
"That jacket's really sweet, and it's sort of our trophy," Ford said. "Everybody who's been in the Finals or aspires to do the Finals recognizes that. You get one when you're an alternate, but it's a little different when you're actually one of the 12 and you'll be working on the floor."
Ford and Taylor have previously served as alternates but this is their first time being chosen as the main referees for the Finals. "I literally wrote on every one of them. I wrote ALT on the tag of every one I've got so far," Taylor shared. "It's the culmination of life's work. I got into the minor leagues at 20 or 21 years old."
The Finals referees list includes Scott Foster, the most experienced official in the NBA Finals, selected for his 18th appearance. Alongside him, Tony Brothers and Marc Davis are there for a 14th time, James Capers his 13th, Zach Zarba for the 12th, and John Goble it will be his 9th time. Byron Spruell, the NBA President for League Operations, praised the group, saying, "We're grateful for these 12 individuals and their dedication to serving the game at the highest levels throughout the season. Being selected to work the NBA Finals is the top honor as an NBA official, and I congratulate this exceptional group on a worthy achievement."
(via @OfficialNBARefs) pic.twitter.com/jRF8swBKjd
As first-time Finals referees, Ford and Taylor are making history. Hard work, perseverance, and a dream come true––these are the things these two men have fought for in their careers. Will they rise to the occasion and provide a memorable NBA Finals? Only time will tell.
[1] Taylor and Ford: A Tale of Determination and Triumph[2] The Road to the NBA Finals: A Journey for Tyler Ford and Ben Taylor[3] The Significance of the White Jacket: A Symbol of Excellence for Finals Referees[4] A Pinnacle Achievement: Officiating the NBA Finals: The Challenges and Rewards
- Tyler Ford and Ben Taylor, newcomers to the NBA Finals, are set to make history as they take their place as official referees in the biggest basketball event in sports.
- The white jacket, a symbol of excellence for Finals referees, has been the aspiration of both Ford and Taylor since they entered the minor leagues in their early twenties.
- With only the iconic white jacket separating them from their dreams, Ford and Taylor are ready to rise to the occasion and provide an unforgettable experience at the NBA Finals.
