Green Ejected from Warriors-Jazz Game After Technical Fouls
In a tense moment during the Golden State Warriors’ game against the Utah Jazz, power forward Draymond Green found himself heading to the locker room early after receiving two technical fouls in quick succession. The incident occurred with just 2:25 remaining in the first half when Green approached an official to argue for a three-second violation against Jazz center Kyle Filipowski. What began as a typical player-referee discussion rapidly escalated, resulting in Green’s immediate ejection from the contest. This sudden departure forced Warriors head coach Steve Kerr to adjust his rotation, inserting Gary Payton II into the starting lineup for the second half to compensate for Green’s absence.
Prior to his ejection, Green had been having a productive, if limited, performance alongside the Warriors’ starting unit of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody, and rookie center Quinten Post. In just over 12 minutes of play, the veteran forward contributed eight points on efficient 3-of-4 shooting, along with three rebounds, two assists, and a block. However, his impact on the game was mixed, as evidenced by his team-worst minus-15 plus-minus rating during his time on the floor. Despite Green’s early departure, the Warriors maintained control of the game, holding a comfortable 113-101 lead with 7:30 remaining in regulation, positioning themselves for what would be their sixth victory in eight games.
The ejection adds to what has become a concerning pattern of behavior for the 35-year-old Green this season. With nine technical fouls accumulated thus far, he ranks second in the NBA in this unfortunate category, trailing only Houston Rockets forward Dillon Brooks, who has amassed twelve. Green shares this dubious distinction with Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic, who has also been whistled for nine technical fouls. This latest incident continues a turbulent stretch for the former Defensive Player of the Year, who was similarly ejected after playing just eight minutes in a December 20th contest against the Phoenix Suns, which the Warriors ultimately won 119-116.
Green’s recent conduct has raised questions about his emotional control and its impact on team dynamics. Just two days after his ejection against the Suns, Green voluntarily removed himself from the Warriors’ bench during the third quarter of a game against the Orlando Magic following a heated timeout altercation with Coach Kerr. That game, which the Warriors went on to win decisively 120-97, saw Green log less than 18 minutes before his self-imposed exit. The organization also made the decision to rest him during a subsequent matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder, which resulted in a lopsided 131-94 defeat for Golden State, possibly indicating an attempt to allow tensions to cool.
Despite these disruptions, the Warriors have shown remarkable resilience, maintaining a competitive edge in the Western Conference. A victory against the Jazz would improve their record to 19-17 overall and an impressive 11-5 at home, demonstrating their ability to overcome adversity and internal challenges. The team’s recent performance—winning six of their last eight contests—suggests they may be finding their rhythm despite the occasional volatility surrounding one of their veteran leaders. Coach Kerr’s ability to navigate these challenges speaks to the experienced leadership within the organization and their commitment to maintaining team cohesion through difficult moments.
For Green, this latest incident represents both a personal challenge and an opportunity for growth. As one of the Warriors’ most experienced and decorated players, his leadership role extends beyond statistical contributions to setting the emotional tone for the team. While his passionate approach has been integral to the Warriors’ championship culture in previous years, finding the balance between intensity and composure remains an ongoing challenge. As the season progresses, Green’s ability to harness his competitive fire without crossing the line into technical foul territory may prove crucial to Golden State’s playoff aspirations and their quest to recapture championship form in an increasingly competitive Western Conference landscape.
