Full Breakdown
Steve Kerr Ejected as Warriors Fall to Clippers in Narrow Loss
1/6/2026, 12:11:16 PM
Controversial Calls Spark Kerr's Ejection
In a tightly contested game on January 5, 2026, the Golden State Warriors suffered a 103-102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The match was marked by a series of controversial officiating decisions that culminated in Warriors head coach Steve Kerr's ejection in the fourth quarter. Kerr received two technical fouls after expressing his frustration over a missed goaltending call on Clippers forward John Collins, which he believed significantly impacted the game's momentum.
The incident began when Warriors star guard Stephen Curry had a basket disallowed due to a late foul call, which Kerr argued should have counted. Following this, a layup attempt by Gary Payton II was blocked by Collins, but replays indicated it should have been ruled a goaltend. Kerr's visible anger led him to approach the referees, requiring restraint from his coaching staff before he was ejected with 7:57 remaining in the game.
Game Dynamics and Key Performances
Despite Kerr's ejection, the Warriors rallied in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Clippers 31-24. Curry, who finished with 27 points, hit two crucial three-pointers late in the game, narrowing the Clippers' lead to just one point. However, Curry fouled out with 43 seconds left, marking the first time he had fouled out since December 2021. The Warriors had a chance to win in the final seconds, but Jimmy Butler's fadeaway jumper missed the mark, sealing the defeat.
Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 24 points, while rookie Kobe Sanders contributed a career-high 20 points. The Clippers, who were without James Harden, improved their record to 13-22, while the Warriors fell to 19-18.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, assistant coach Terry Stotts, who took over for Kerr, commented on the ejection, stating, "I think it was that goaltending call that was missed... it seemed obvious at the time that it was a goaltend." Stotts humorously noted his presence at the postgame press conference was to "save Steve some money," anticipating a fine for Kerr's outburst.
Curry expressed support for Kerr's emotional reaction, stating, "Coach did the right thing. We responded the right way, gave ourselves a chance to win." Draymond Green echoed this sentiment, highlighting the team's effort despite the loss.
Criticism & Opposition
While Kerr's ejection was defended by some players, critics pointed out that his emotional outburst could have detrimental effects on the team’s focus and discipline. The missed calls, particularly the goaltending violation, have sparked discussions about officiating standards in the NBA, with some analysts suggesting that such errors can alter the course of tightly contested games.
What's Next for the Warriors
The Warriors will look to rebound from this loss as they prepare for an eight-game homestand, starting with a matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 7, 2026. The team aims to build on their recent performances, having won six of their last nine games prior to this defeat.
