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The NBA announced the selections of 12 referees who will officiate the NBA Finals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors, headlined by 32-year veteran Danny Crawford, who is working his 23rd Finals series. Crawford has worked 33 career Finals games and is one of five referees assigned to the series who have worked at least 15 Finals games. Mike Callahan, in his 27th season, has worked 18 prior Finals contests.
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Joining Crawford and Callahan are Ken Mauer (12th Finals series) Scott Foster (10th), Monty McCutchen (ninth), Derrick Stafford (seventh), Tony Brothers (sixth) Marc Davis (sixth), James Capers (sixth), Ed Malloy (fifth), Zach Zarba (fourth) and first-time Finals official John Goble.
"The Finals is the pinnacle for our officials, just as it is for our teams, coaches and players," NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell said in a statement. "Earning this opportunity is a testament to each official's work ethic and unwavering commitment to their profession."
Tom Washington and Sean Wright will serve as alternate referees for the Finals.
The officials were selected by the NBA Referee Operations management team after evaluations of their performances during the first three rounds of the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
Game 1 of the NBA Finals is Thursday at Oracle Arena in Oakland, Calif.
