It was a rough Saturday night for NBA officials, as multiple teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, voiced frustration over what they perceived as inconsistent officiating. The controversy peaked when Warriors star Draymond Green was ejected after arguing a technical foul, igniting widespread backlash from fans and fueling an already heated debate surrounding NBA refereeing.
Steve Kerr and NBA Fans Tear Into Refs Over Draymond Green’s Ejection
Green was ejected in the second quarter after a heated exchange with officials that quickly escalated. Green initially picked up his first technical foul for shoving Collin Gillespie from behind moments after blocking his drive on the other end.
This sequence sparked an animated back-and-forth with the referee.
Dissatisfied with the call, Green continued arguing as he headed toward the bench, leading to a second technical and an immediate ejection.
Draymond Green has been ejected from the game following this sequence 😳 pic.twitter.com/U5pE3NQDje
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 21, 2025
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr strongly objected to the decision and was assessed a technical foul of his own. Although Golden State went on to secure a 119–116 victory, Kerr made it clear postgame that his frustration with the officiating lingered, particularly with how similar situations have been handled elsewhere around the league.
“I thought it was weak, he was yelling at the refs, so he definitely deserved one, but then he’s walking to the bench, and he yells something and second technical,” Kerr said. “We just saw a guy on their team literally punch Steph in the stomach the other night, premeditated, punches him in the stomach, no ejection for that.”
“And then two nights later the refs got upset with some words from Draymond. I totally disagree and that’s why I got my tech because I was furious that they booted him out that easily.”
Kerr was referring to an incident from two days earlier, when Dillon Brooks was assessed a Flagrant 1 foul with 38.3 seconds remaining in Thursday’s matchup against Phoenix after striking Curry in the stomach following a three-point attempt.
The perceived inconsistency between that call and Green’s ejection became a focal point of criticism, not just from Kerr but from fans across the league.
“Dillon Brooks punched Steph and he didn’t get ejected but if it’s Draymond shoving he gets ejected???” one fan wrote.
“The @NBA ref double standard is out of hand,” added another.
“Refs are ruining the game and they don’t even play,” wrote a third.
“@NBAcontrol your refs educate them, investigate em, why they not calling fouls when needed and calling fouls on Shai and Lebron for Flops?” another fan wrote, tagging the league.
Despite the controversy, the Warriors delivered in crunch time. Curry led Golden State with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, while Butler added 25 points. Devin Booker scored a game-high 38 points for Phoenix, with Brooks contributing 22, but the Warriors closed strong in the fourth quarter. Curry scored 14 of his points in the final period.
The win improved the Warriors to 14–15 on the season, placing them eighth in the crowded Western Conference standings. Golden State will look to continue the momentum when it hosts the Orlando Magic (16–12) on Tuesday night.
