Draymond Green Ejected in First Half, but Curry and Butler Rally Warriors Past Jazz
SAN FRANCISCO, Jan 4, 2026 — The Golden State Warriors overcame a chaotic first half and the ejection of forward Draymond Green to defeat the Utah Jazz 123-114 on Saturday night at the Chase Center. While Green’s second ejection of the season threatened to derail the team during a critical stretch, Stephen Curry’s 31-point performance and steadying play from Jimmy Butler ensured the Warriors (19-17) snapped their brief skid.
The Spark: A Non-Call Leads to an Early Exit
The flashpoint occurred late in the second quarter with the Warriors trailing. Green, who had just returned to the lineup after resting during Friday’s loss to Oklahoma City, became incensed when officials failed to call a defensive three-second violation on Jazz center Kyle Filipowski.
Green argued vehemently with referee Simone Jelks, allowing Utah’s Lauri Markkanen a clear path for a dunk. The breakdown in play only fueled Green’s frustration; he was assessed a technical foul by Jelks and, mere seconds later, received a second technical from official Kevin Cutler for continuing the tirade.
The ejection—Green’s ninth technical of the season—left Golden State in a precarious position. Markkanen converted the free throws to push the Jazz lead to 12 points, their largest of the night.
The Incident: 2:25 remaining in the 2nd Quarter.
The Dispute: Alleged 3-second violation on Kyle Filipowski.
The Consequence: Green’s 2nd ejection in his last four home games.
Curry and Butler stabilize the Ship
Despite the emotional turbulent exit of their defensive anchor, the Warriors responded with veteran poise. Stephen Curry, who had been quiet in the first half, exploded for 20 points in the third quarter alone, hitting shots from the logo and catalyzing a comeback that erased the deficit.
“We needed that energy shift,” Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said post-game. “Obviously, we need Draymond on the floor—he knows that—but Steph and Jimmy really took ownership of the game when things looked shaky.”
Jimmy Butler contributed 15 points and served as a calming playmaker down the stretch, while rookie center Quinten Post added crucial minutes off the bench to help contain Markkanen, who finished with a game-high 35 points. The victory was essential for Golden State, salvaging a split of their back-to-back set and keeping them above .500 in a crowded Western Conference.
