When the NBA announced Game 2 between the Suns and Clippers would be refereed by Scott Foster, all eyes turned to Chris Paul. For what ? Because the leader of the Suns remains on 13 defeats in a row in the playoffs when it is Foster who is at the whistle! The series began in May 2014 during a meeting between the Clippers and the Thunder, and until this night, Chris Paul had therefore accumulated 13 defeats in a row.
We remember Game 7 between the Rockets and the Thunder in 2020 with Paul sanctioned for saving time or Game 6 of the 2021 Finals between the Suns and the Bucks. Even last year, in the series against the Pelicans, the Suns had lost again with Foster as referee.
It is well known, all the series have had an end, and for the first time since 2013, and a meeting between the Clippers and the Grizzlies, Chris Paul wins a match refereed by Foster. Inevitably, at a press conference, a journalist asked him his opinion on this end of series. Sitting next to him, Devin Booker smirked, waiting for the answer.
“We can talk to some referees, and you just have to know who you can talk to and who you can’t”
“I hadn’t noticed it” quips Chris Paul. “Actually, I think we all want to avoid being disturbed. So that’s the way it is.” I’m sure there will always be something. The League knows what’s going on. So I can’t control it. I couldn’t control all the others, so that’s not going to change now. Sport is like that. »
In 2018, Chris Paul openly complained about Foster’s refereeing and his refusal to talk to the players. “Yes, Scott Foster at his best” For example, Paul was ironic after receiving a technique. ” You see what I mean ? He is never wrong. You can chat with some referees, and you just have to know who you can chat with and who you can’t. »
Same thing in 2020 after an elimination in a Game 7, and this technique inflicted after trying to save time: “ The NBA knows. They’re going to fine me. I already said his name. We all already know the story. »
Since the beginning of his career, and after the success of this night, Chris Paul has posted a record of 3 wins and 17 losses in the playoffs with Scott Foster as referee.
