The Golden State Warriors beat the Utah Jazz by a score of 123-114, though that number tells only part of what unfolded. Tension cracked open when Draymond Green got tossed near the end of the second quarter. From there, everything shifted. Not just points on the board, but also the quiet mood behind closed doors after the buzzer.
Golden State rose after Green’s exit, surpassing Utah by 19 points the rest of the way. That statistical split immediately became a talking point. However, Jimmy Butler’s postgame response ensured the focus shifted from numbers to something far more uncomfortable.
Jimmy Butler Rejected the Post-Ejection Narrative After Warriors Rally
According to The Athletic, Green’s ejection occurred with 2:25 remaining in the second quarter. Green was guarding Jazz rookie Kyle Filipowski in the paint and believed officials missed a three-second violation. As he continued arguing, Lauri Markkanen finished a basket inside. Referees issued Green a technical foul, followed quickly by a second, resulting in an immediate ejection.
At that point, the Dubs trailed 60-48. The Warriors adjusted their offensive setup around Stephen Curry, giving him the ball more often in transition and early-clock situations. Golden State ruled the third quarter and controlled the remainder of the game, creating the plus-19 margin that sparked the postgame discussion.
When asked about that swing, Jimmy Butler made his stance clear: “That ain’t the formula. No, no, no, no, no. We need ‘23’ out there.”
The Warriors were a +19 after the Draymond Green ejection tonight
Jimmy Butler: “That ain’t the formula. No, no, no, no, no. We need ‘23’ out there.” pic.twitter.com/uAANWuYfyK
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 4, 2026
Eight points came from Green by the end, along with three boards, two dimes, played a bit past twelve minutes, and finished with a minus fifteen rating.
Green’s ejection was his second in seven games and his ninth technical foul of the season. NBA rules suspended athletes for one game upon receiving 16 technical fouls. HC Steve Kerr addressed the issue after the game, stating that the ejection had escalated quickly and emphasizing the need to keep Green on the floor.
From the NBA’s viewpoint, the Warriors’ surge was real. Curry maintained the tempo and scored 20 of his team’s high 31 points in the third quarter. Golden State increased defensive pressure. As a result, Jazz struggled to generate clean looks late.
Golden State improved to 19–17 with the win, but the underlying issue remains unresolved. The Warriors are capable of responding when Green leaves early. They are not built to rely on that response as a strategy.
