Golden State Warriors player Draymond Green was ejected from Saturday’s game against the Utah Jazz, marking his 25th career ejection and 22nd regular-season ejection. It was also his second in the past eight games.
The penalty was awarded after Green played defense against Utah’s Kyle Filipowski, who gestured to a nearby referee requesting a three-second foul against Green. Green then let out an angry scream after the Jazz scored, leading to a technical foul.
After the whistle, Green approached referee Kevin Cutler and appeared to loudly berate the referee. Shortly afterwards, a second technical foul was assessed and Green was out of the game.
Green’s teammates and coach Steve Kerr defended the oft-sent-off player after the match.
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“I didn’t hear what he said, but it was quick,” Kerr told reporters. “I know he got the T right away and Kevin (Cutler) threw him out almost immediately. So I don’t know what he said, but I’m assuming it was something Kevin just didn’t want to listen to. So I don’t know anything more about it than that.”
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Kerr added that the team “needs” Green on the field.
“We need Draymond and I want him there,” Kerr said. “So I think he could have about nine technicians. We’re not even halfway through the season yet, so there’s still a long way to go and we need him.”
Warriors superstar Steph Curry suggested Green’s actions did not warrant the expulsion.
“I don’t know what he said to the referee,” Curry said. “But I didn’t think so. The consensus in the locker room was that there wasn’t enough to get thrown out.”
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green yells at the referee during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Orlando Magic, Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, in San Francisco (AP Photo/Justine Willard)
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The Warriors won the match 123-114 and improved to 19-17.
Green and Kerr were previously involved in a heated incident on the bench during their game against the Orlando Magic in December.
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