Scott Foster, Chris Paul set to resume playoff rivalry in Game 2

It goes without saying Foster's been a thorn in Paul's side for years, something the future Hall of Fame point guard is painfully aware of.

"If I was a betting man, 11 games in a row," said Paul after a Suns loss in the 2021 playoffs to the Lakers. The 12th and 13th consecutive losses would follow in games three and six of that season's NBA Finals against Milwaukee, the latter ending Phoenix's season.

The 14th loss came in Game 2 of the opening round of last year's playoffs against the Pelicans.

Fortunately for Paul, he has Kevin Durant on his side. As great as he is on the court, his history with Foster might be his most valuable trait. Last year, Tom Haberstroh looked at the players who've had the most success with Foster as official, and Durant was near the top of the list.

But the Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and Russell Westbrook have plenty of postseason success with Foster as the referee, too, so perhaps Durant's presence won't soften Foster's antagonistic relationship with Paul.

Per Oddschecker, the news hasn't impacted the game's point spread, with the Suns favored by eight points. Phoenix is the favorite to win the Western Conference thanks to the Durant trade but will face an uphill climb if it falls in an 0-2 hole against the Clippers.

With Foster officiating, the Suns may want to get their mountain gear ready.