Draymond Green Ejected for 24th Time as Warriors Defeat Jazz 123-114
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Draymond Green, the Golden State Warriors’ tenacious forward known for his passionate play and fiery temperament, was ejected for the 24th time in his NBA career during Saturday night’s game against the Utah Jazz. The incident, which marked Green’s 22nd regular-season ejection and second in just eight games, unfolded after a contentious exchange with referee Kevin Cutler.
Green’s ejection came after he received two technical fouls in quick succession. The first was assessed following a defensive play on Utah’s Kyle Filipowski, who appealed to the officials for a three-second violation against Green. Shortly after the Jazz scored, Green shouted in frustration, drawing the first technical foul. Moments later, after approaching Cutler and apparently berating the official, Green was handed a second technical, resulting in his immediate removal from the game.
This latest ejection places Green second on the NBA’s all-time list for career ejections, trailing only Rasheed Wallace, who holds the record with 29. Green also leads all active players in technical fouls, having surpassed Anthony Mason to rank seventh all-time with 208. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr emphasized the importance of Green’s presence on the court despite the disciplinary issues.
“We need Draymond and I want him out there,” Kerr told reporters after the game. “I think he might be up to about nine techs. We’re not halfway through the season yet, so a long way to go and we need him.” Kerr declined to specify the exact nature of Green’s comments to the referee, noting only that the ejection came swiftly after the first technical foul.
Warriors star Stephen Curry also weighed in on the incident, expressing disagreement with the officials’ decision. “I don’t know what he said to the ref,” Curry said, “but I didn’t think it was — the consensus in the locker room was there wasn’t enough to get thrown out.” Despite Green’s absence, Golden State maintained control and secured a 123-114 victory, improving their record to 19-17.
Green’s fiery demeanor has long been a double-edged sword for the Warriors. While his intensity fuels the team’s defensive prowess and leadership on the floor, it has also led to frequent confrontations with officials. The NBA’s official rules and disciplinary procedures, outlined on the league’s website, provide for ejections following two technical fouls in a game, a threshold Green has crossed multiple times.
With the NBA season underway, Green’s accumulation of technical fouls raises the prospect of further penalties, including fines or suspensions, as the league monitors player conduct closely. The Warriors, meanwhile, continue to rely heavily on Green’s defensive versatility and playmaking ability as they pursue playoff positioning.
For more on NBA rules and disciplinary actions, visit the NBA Officials page. The Warriors’ official site provides updates on team news and player status at Golden State Warriors. For broader sports coverage, the ESPN NBA section offers comprehensive analysis and live updates.
As the season progresses, the balance between Green’s fiery competitiveness and disciplinary challenges remains a key storyline for the Warriors and their fans.
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