Explosive Tensions Between Draymond Green and Steve Kerr: How the Warriors Turn Crisis Into Success
Dec 22, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) argues with an official against the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
The Warriors are going through a turbulent period with Draymond Green at the center of several notable incidents. The 35-year-old power forward was first ejected against the Phoenix Suns after just eight minutes of play, then voluntarily left the court during the following game against Orlando Magic following a heated altercation with Steve Kerr.
Steve Kerr said Draymond Green chose to go to the locker room after the two had a heated argument during an early third quarter timeout. He wasn’t sent there. Green returned to bench for fourth quarter but Kerr said he wouldn’t have gone back to Green.
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— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) December 23, 2025
A Controversial Ejection That Divides
Against the Suns, Green received two consecutive technical fouls after pushing Collin Gillespie and arguing with the referees. This first ejection of the season, his 21st in his career, triggered Steve Kerr’s anger who didn’t hesitate to openly criticize the officiating.
« I thought it was weak. He deserved a first technical foul because he was talking to the refs. But the second one, when he was walking toward the bench and just yelled something, that’s excessive, » declared the Warriors coach. Kerr also pointed out the inconsistency of officiating by referencing an incident involving Dillon Brooks: « We saw an opposing player hit Stephen in the stomach the other night, deliberately, and there was no ejection. »
Paradoxically, this ejection galvanized Golden State who won the game 119-116. Stephen Curry confirmed this unexpected effect: « The game was choppy and very physical early. When Draymond went out, it woke us up. We knew we had to play harder without him. »
Self-Removal After a Dispute with Kerr
Two days later against Orlando Magic, Green made headlines again by voluntarily leaving the court after a dispute with Steve Kerr during a third quarter timeout. The big man went to the locker room before returning to the bench for the fourth quarter, without playing again.
« Tempers flared, I thought it was better for me to leave, » Green explained after the Warriors’ 120-97 victory. « I don’t think the situation could have improved so the best thing was to walk away. That’s life. We move on. Everything’s fine. »
Steve Kerr confirmed the incident while remaining discreet about the details: « What happened is unfortunate. We had a little discussion and he decided to go back to the locker room to cool down. All of this is private, I have nothing else to add. He wasn’t going back on the court. »
These successive episodes illustrate Green’s explosive personality, who nevertheless remains a key element for the Warriors despite these repeated incidents. The team proved its ability to react positively in adversity, winning both games concerned.
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