Full Breakdown
Warriors Overcome Ejection of Draymond Green to Defeat Jazz
1/4/2026, 8:11:37 PM
Game Overview: Warriors vs. Jazz
On January 4, 2026, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Utah Jazz 123-114 at Chase Center. The victory marked the Warriors' sixth win in their last eight games, improving their record to 19-17, while the Jazz fell to 12-22. Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 31 points, including a remarkable 20-point third quarter, while Lauri Markkanen scored 35 points for the Jazz.
Key Events: Draymond Green's Ejection
Draymond Green was ejected late in the second quarter after receiving two technical fouls for arguing with officials about a perceived three-second violation against Jazz forward Kyle Filipowski. This marked Green's second ejection in just four games, raising concerns about his growing technical foul count, which now stands at nine for the season. Despite being down by 12 points at the time of Green's ejection, the Warriors rallied in the second half, outscoring the Jazz by 21 points over the final 26 minutes.
Curry's Dominance
Curry's performance was pivotal in the Warriors' comeback. After a slow first half, where he scored only nine points, he exploded in the third quarter, shooting 6-of-8 from the field and 4-of-6 from three-point range. His scoring surge helped the Warriors flip a seven-point halftime deficit into a four-point lead heading into the fourth quarter. Curry's ability to create shots and space for his teammates was crucial, as he also contributed five assists.
Team Contributions
In addition to Curry, several other Warriors stepped up. Jimmy Butler added 15 points and seven assists, while Quinten Post and De'Anthony Melton each contributed 15 points off the bench. The Warriors' bench outscored the Jazz's reserves 46-30, showcasing their depth. Gary Payton II also made a significant impact with 10 points and eight rebounds.
Jazz Performance and Defensive Struggles
The Jazz started strong, leading by as much as 12 points in the first half. Markkanen's scoring kept them competitive, but their defensive struggles were evident, particularly in the second half. The Jazz are currently ranked last in the league for defensive rating, which has hindered their ability to close out games. Keyonte George also had a notable performance with 22 points and nine assists, but he struggled with turnovers, committing seven during the game.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, Curry expressed the team's focus on winning despite Green's absence, stating, "We won the game. That’s all we care about." Coach Steve Kerr emphasized the need for Green's presence, saying, "We need Draymond, and I want him out there." Butler echoed this sentiment, asserting, "That ain’t the formula. We need 2-3 out there."
Criticism & Opposition
Critics have raised concerns about Green's frequent ejections and their potential impact on the team's performance. While the Warriors have won games without him, both Kerr and Butler stressed that his contributions are vital to the team's success. The narrative that the Warriors perform better without Green is dismissed by the team, highlighting his importance as a defensive anchor and playmaker.
What's Next
The Warriors will face the Los Angeles Clippers next on January 5, while the Jazz will look to break their losing streak against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 6. The outcome of these upcoming games will be crucial for both teams as they navigate the competitive Western Conference standings.
