Suns' Chris Paul is Well Aware of His Playoff History with Referee Scott Foster

Suns star Chris Paul had one number on his mind following a Game 3 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers — and no, it wasn't the final score, his stats or even the limited minutes he was relegated to due to his shoulder contusion. It was the fact that the 36-year-old has now lost his last 11 playoff games which have been officiated by Scott Foster.

Paul was fixated on the incredulous 11 losses that were seemingly at the hands of Foster, redirecting his last three post-game questions to the stat.

We've got to try to limit their free throw attempts. They're shooting a lot of free throws, last game, tonight, Paul lamented. I mean, if I was a betting man, 11 games in a row, 11 games in a row. We'll see what happens — 11 in a row, 11 in a row is tough.

Chris Paul redirected the end of his final three press conference questions tonight to the same stat: "11 games in a row." Paul's teams have lost 11 straight playoff games refereed by Scott Foster. pic.twitter.com/BvbZTGe3eX
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) May 28, 2021

The 11-time All-Star's beleaguered history with Foster dates back to his tenure with the Clippers and includes defeats with both the Rockets and Thunder as well. More recently, in last season's playoff "bubble," Paul called out the veteran referee for an ambivalent delay of game whistle.

Chris Paul has lost 11 straight playoff games officiated by Scott Foster. pic.twitter.com/iAKHzXLmoC
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 28, 2021

The Suns fell to the Lakers 109-95 and Paul posted 7 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds in limited minutes. Phoenix was also obliterated on the boards, losing that battle 51-35. Game 4 is on Sunday and the city of Phoenix is hoping their star's arch-nemesis is nowhere to be seen.

Photo Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports