Draymond Green Ejected in Warriors Loss to Jazz, Adding to His Ejection Streak

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green was ejected late in the second quarter during Saturday night’s matchup against the Utah Jazz, marking the second double-technical ejection in his last eight games. The defensive stalwart’s exit came after a heated exchange with officials over a missed call, continuing a pattern of fiery moments for the veteran forward this season.

Green’s ejection occurred after he attempted to call a three-second violation on Jazz big man Kyle Fillipowski. As Fillipowski positioned himself near the basket, Green became vocal with the referees, arguing that Utah’s player had been walled off illegally. The officials did not whistle the play, prompting Green to step away from defending as Lauri Markkanen drove to the rim for an uncontested layup. His vocal protest escalated, and official Simone Jelks handed him a technical foul for arguing.

Minutes later, Green continued to dispute the officiating with Kevin Cutler, resulting in a second technical that automatically ejected him from the game. In a matter of less than a minute, Green walked through the tunnel and into the Warriors’ locker room, ending his night well before halftime.

A Pattern of Frustration

This ejection mirrors an incident from just a few games prior. On December 22nd, Green argued with head coach Steve Kerr during a timeout early in the third quarter against the Orlando Magic. The argument escalated to the point where Green left the bench, missing the final 20 minutes of the game, although Golden State ultimately won 120-97.

A week earlier, Green had also been ejected in a 119-116 victory over the Phoenix Suns, receiving two technicals after disputing a scuffle with guard Collin Gillespie. In all three cases, Green’s intensity and willingness to confront authority figures—be it officials or coaching staff—has made him a polarizing figure, even as he remains the cornerstone of Golden State’s defense.

Ejection Statistics

Saturday marked the 25th ejection of Green’s NBA career, placing him second all-time in league history behind only Rasheed Wallace, who was ejected 29 times. Green’s ejections have often been a mix of technical fouls for arguing with referees and confrontations with players or coaches. While some see these moments as a lack of discipline, others view them as part of Green’s competitive fire, a reflection of the intensity that has driven the Warriors to multiple championships over the past decade.

Green’s ability to influence games defensively is unmatched, but his temperament sometimes clashes with the league’s officiating standards. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has expressed frustration in the past, but also emphasized Green’s value. “Draymond plays the game with passion, and sometimes that passion boils over,” Kerr said after one of the earlier incidents. “It’s on him to channel it, and on us to support him while keeping him in the game.”

Impact on the Warriors

The Warriors’ defensive strategy relies heavily on Green’s versatility. He acts as a rim protector, a facilitator for fast breaks, and the anchor of Golden State’s switching defense. Losing him for the final minutes of a half—or entire quarters—can disrupt rotations and place added stress on teammates. Against Utah, his absence allowed the Jazz to capitalize offensively in the paint, highlighting the immediate cost of his ejection.

Despite the disruptions, Golden State has shown resilience. Their bench players are accustomed to stepping up when Green is absent, but the timing of his exits—especially in close games—remains a concern. With the Warriors navigating a competitive Western Conference, managing Green’s fiery nature is just as important as their offensive and defensive schemes.

The Legacy of a Fiery Competitor

Draymond Green’s career has been defined as much by his intensity and leadership as by his on-court production. A three-time NBA champion, Defensive Player of the Year, and perennial All-Star, Green has made his mark as one of the league’s most disruptive defenders. However, his willingness to confront referees and teammates alike has led to numerous ejections, technicals, and, occasionally, suspensions.

For fans and analysts, Green’s behavior sparks a debate: are these moments a liability or simply the price of having a competitor who plays with unmatched energy? The answer likely lies somewhere in between. While his confrontations can change the momentum of a game, Green’s presence often inspires teammates and elevates the Warriors’ defensive intensity to a championship level.

Looking Ahead

With the Warriors in the thick of a competitive season, managing Draymond Green’s fiery temperament will be a critical task for Steve Kerr and the coaching staff. While his ejection against Utah serves as a reminder of the fine line he walks between passion and frustration, Green remains a cornerstone of Golden State’s ambitions.

As the season continues, Golden State will need to strike a balance: maximize Green’s defensive impact while minimizing the risk of costly ejections. If they succeed, the Warriors can continue to leverage his unique skill set as they pursue another deep playoff run. If not, they may find themselves fighting to stay afloat in an increasingly tough Western Conference.

Green’s story is far from over. Whether celebrated as a defensive genius or scrutinized for his temper, one thing is clear: Draymond Green is one of the most compelling—and unpredictable—players in the NBA today.