Warriors React to Steve Kerr’s Ejection in Narrow Loss to Clippers

In a dramatic turn of events, Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was ejected during a tight contest against the Los Angeles Clippers on January 5, 2026, leading to a 103-102 defeat for his team. The incident unfolded with just under eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, following a controversial no-call on what appeared to be a clear goaltending violation against Clippers forward John Collins.

Following the game at the Intuit Dome, Warriors assistant coach Terry Stotts addressed the media, humorously stating, “I’m up here because I’m saving Steve some money. That’s the only reason I’m here.” His comment implied that Kerr’s emotional reaction to the officiating could have resulted in a fine from the NBA.

Kerr’s Ejection Sparks Controversy

Kerr’s ejection was his first since March 28, 2022, and came after he vocally expressed his frustration towards head referee Brian Forte and his crew. This followed a missed call that left the Warriors’ players and coaching staff visibly upset. Gary Payton II, who was involved in the play leading to Kerr’s outburst, acknowledged the call as a “missed call, clearly.”

As tensions escalated, Kerr received two technical fouls after he approached officials in an aggressive manner, reportedly shouting profanities. Forte later confirmed to pool reporter Tomer Azarly that Payton II’s layup should have been ruled a goaltending violation but defended the decision to eject Kerr, stating, “After the first technical was called, he continued shouting profanities while being held back by his assistant coach.”

Despite the setback of losing their coach, the Warriors managed to rally in the wake of Kerr’s ejection, outscoring the Clippers 38-27 in the final quarter. Stephen Curry expressed his appreciation for Kerr’s fiery reaction, stating, “Coach did the right thing, and we responded the right way.” He noted that the situation could potentially dictate the momentum of the game.

Team Dynamics Amidst Adversity

The Warriors faced additional challenges, as Curry himself accumulated four fouls in the fourth quarter, ultimately leading to his first foul out since 2021. Stotts, who took over coaching duties after Kerr’s exit, relied heavily on the team’s veteran leadership during this tumultuous period. He remarked, “(I was) just trying to coach the game, and it helps we’ve got a veteran team.”

Draymond Green, reflecting on Kerr’s emotional reaction, supported his coach’s outburst. He recalled a previous incident where Kerr had similarly lost his temper, saying, “I think it was the right reaction.”

Looking ahead, Curry vowed to avoid foul trouble in future games, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure. He concluded, “I love that fired-up Steve. Somebody had to do it tonight.”

As the Warriors continue their season, they will need to navigate the challenges of officiating and maintain their competitive edge, especially on the road. The incident not only showcased the team’s resilience but also highlighted the passion and commitment of their coaching staff amidst a tightly contested match.