In a surprising twist that has NBA fans buzzing, the Golden State Warriors have decided against any disciplinary action for Draymond Green following his heated altercation with head coach Steve Kerr during Monday’s game against the Orlando Magic. This update comes just ahead of the team’s highly anticipated Christmas Day matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the holiday showdown.
The incident unfolded during the Warriors’ dominant 120-97 victory over the Magic on December 22, 2025. Green, the fiery 35-year-old forward, played just 18 minutes, contributing nine points, seven rebounds, and two assists before tensions boiled over in the third quarter. After a tense exchange with Kerr on the bench, Green abruptly left for the locker room, opting not to return to the court for the final 20 minutes of the game. He did eventually rejoin the bench, but Kerr chose not to insert him back into the lineup.
Post-game, both Kerr and Green downplayed the drama, acknowledging that emotions ran high but emphasizing their intent to move forward. “Tempers boiled over,” Kerr admitted to reporters, while Green echoed the sentiment, noting that he stepped away to “cool down.” Neither party delved into specifics about what was said, but they made it clear the matter was resolved internally.
This isn’t the first time Green’s passionate demeanor has led to controversy. Back in 2018, he was suspended for one game after a verbal spat with then-teammate Kevin Durant during a matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers, an action the Warriors labeled as “conduct detrimental to the team.” Given that history, speculation swirled about potential repercussions this time around—especially considering Green’s mid-game exit, which could be seen as abandoning his team.
However, according to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, the Warriors are taking a different approach. In a bombshell revelation, Shelburne reported that no suspension or fine is expected for Green. “I don’t expect there to be any suspension or fine or anything like that,” she stated. Instead, the organization views Green’s decision to remove himself from the situation as a positive development. “Draymond actually spoke with general manager Mike Dunleavy last night before he addressed the media, and they had a nice conversation,” Shelburne added. She highlighted that Green’s self-removal was “sort of seen as a sign of growth,” recognizing that he couldn’t retract words spoken “in the heat of the moment” and that staying might have escalated things further with potential consequences.
This lenient stance marks a notable shift for the Warriors, who have dealt with Green’s volatility in the past, including multiple suspensions over his 14-year career. It suggests a maturing relationship between the veteran forward and the franchise, particularly as Golden State aims to contend in a competitive Western Conference. With a record that has them in playoff contention, the team can’t afford internal distractions, especially heading into the festive spotlight.
Kerr seemed to confirm Green’s availability for the upcoming game during a Wednesday press conference. “I expect Draymond to do his very best,” the coach told NBC Sports, signaling that the four-time NBA champion will suit up against Luka Dončić and the Mavericks on December 25, 2025, at Chase Center.
As the Warriors prepare for this star-studded Christmas clash—broadcast nationally and featuring two of the league’s most exciting teams—the absence of punishment for Green could serve as a morale boost. Fans will be watching closely to see if the incident lingers or if it fuels Green’s trademark intensity on the court. For now, the Dubs appear united, ready to turn the page and focus on holiday hoops glory.