PHOENIX SUNS

Scott Foster is not helping the Scott Foster narrative

Apr 18, 2023, 7:56 PM | Updated: Apr 27, 2023, 2:03 pm

NBA referee Scott Foster didn’t help the narrative of him being trouble for the Suns and specifically Chris Paul in Phoenix’s 123-109 Game 2 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.

As the head official of Tuesday night’s first-round matchup at Footprint Center, Foster negated a Devin Booker steal and slam with a foul and technical on Torrey Craig for arguing.

You can be the judge if it was the correct call or not:

The history between Foster and Paul goes back a decade, as Paul had a 13-game losing streak and is now 3-17 in the playoffs overall under the referee.

In fact, the Suns point guard hadn’t won a playoff game with Foster officiating since 2013 when Paul was still a member of the Clippers until Tuesday night.

“I ain’t notice,” Paul told reporters postgame of breaking the streak.

Foster was also on the floor for Phoenix’s Game 2 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, as well as the Suns’ losses in Games 3 and 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Phoenix did win Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals on the Valley-Oop with Foster on the court, but Paul was unable to play that game due to being in health and safety protocols.

As expected, Foster’s call early on in Tuesday night’s contest sparked some responses:

Phoenix Suns

Victor Wembanyama defends Bradley Beal...

Kevin Zimmerman

James Jones touts Bradley Beal’s balance as Suns’ playoffs begin

Bradley Beal found a groove late in the regular season. James Jones spoke on him settling into his role before the playoffs.

8 hours ago

Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban for sports betting...

Arizona Sports

NBA gives Jontay Porter lifetime ban for sports betting

The NBA levied a lifetime ban on Jontay Portay after an investigation found he disclosed confidential information to sports bettors.

14 hours ago

Anthony Edwards #5 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball against Jusuf Nurkic #20 and Kevi...

Kellan Olson

How the Suns shut down Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards so far this season

Minnesota Timberwolves All-Star Anthony Edwards has struggled in all three meetings against the Suns. What could change in the first round?

15 hours ago

Domantas Sabonis lights the beam after beating the Warriors...

Associated Press

Sacramento Kings eliminate Golden State Warriors from play-in tournament

The Kings dealt the Warriors a bit of payback in emphatic fashion with a victory that might signal the end of a dynasty.

23 hours ago

Jusuf Nurkic dribbles down the court...

Arizona Sports

Suns’ Jusuf Nurkic posts ‘that’s all folks!’ after Kings take down Draymond Green, Warriors

Shortly after the Warriors were ran out of the play-in tournament by the Kings, Jusuf Nurkic took to X with a simple yet effective post.

24 hours ago

Kevin Durant and Anthony Edwards...

Arizona Sports

Full schedule: Suns-Timberwolves 1st round playoff series starts Saturday

The No. 6 seed Phoenix Suns will travel to meet the No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

1 day ago

Scott Foster is not helping the Scott Foster narrative