The Phoenix Suns’ victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of their first-round series marked the end of an amusingly historic streak for Chris Paul. Paul’s team had lost 13 consecutive playoff games whenever Scott Foster was a member of the officiating crew, dating back to April 20, 2013, when Paul’s LA Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 112-91.
CP3 trolling Scott Foster 😅
(Via @ClutchPointsApp) pic.twitter.com/Uv171KWsVe
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 19, 2023
Paul scored 16 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out eight assists in 38 minutes of play as the Suns defeated the Clippers 123-109, putting an end to the 13-game losing streak when Foster officiated. Late in the fourth quarter, Paul was seen making the two-handed signal for prayer while mouthing the words ‘Please! Please!’ during a conversation with official Scott Foster, which Paul also repeated during Clippers free throw attempts.
When asked about the gesture, Paul replied with a smile, “I don’t know. I gotta watch the game over. I think we’re all about minimizing distractions. That is what it is. I’m sure it’s still gonna be a thing. The league knows what it is. Can’t control it. Haven’t been able to control all the other ones, so it ain’t gonna change now. The game is the game.”
Paul’s gesture may have been a playful nod to the seemingly unbreakable streak of losses when Foster officiates, which has become a well-known topic among fans and analysts. However, Paul’s focus remained on the game itself and his team’s efforts to reclaim home-court advantage from the Clippers, who stole it by winning Game 1 on the road.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHqGPFnz2Ps
As Paul and the Suns travel to Los Angeles for Game 3, the streak may be over, but the series is far from settled. The Suns will need to continue their strong play to come out on top against a tough Clippers team in what promises to be an exciting playoff matchup.
The Curse of Scott Foster: Chris Paul Playoff Woes Continue
Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul has a history of losing playoff games when referee Scott Foster is officiating. Paul’s teams have lost 13 consecutive playoff games when Foster has been the crew chief.
Paul’s overall playoff record dating back to his first playoffs in 2008 is 2-17, according to ESPN Stats & Information research. Foster’s reputation as one of the league’s best referees, having been assigned to 23 Finals games and 228 career playoff games, has not helped Paul’s case.
The Suns are set to play the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of their series with Foster as the crew chief, which has added fuel to the controversy. Paul has previously accused Foster of playing mind games and setting him up to get a delay of game technical foul during the playoffs.
Despite the news of Foster’s assignment, betting markets have not moved. A representative from Caesars Sportsbook said there had been “nothing significant” regarding the betting since Foster was announced as one of the referees.
