Why did Steve Kerr get ejected during the Warriors’ one-point loss?
Steve Kerr. Image Source: PFSN
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was ejected in a dramatic fourth quarter as frustration with officiating boiled over during a 103–102 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, a game that also saw Stephen Curry foul out for the first time since 2021.
The heated sequence, which unfolded Monday night at the Intuit Dome, turned a tightly contested matchup into one of the NBA’s most talked-about moments of the week, amplified by Snoop Dogg’s live commentary on Peacock’s national broadcast.
What Triggered Steve Kerr’s Ejection?
Kerr’s ejection came early in the fourth quarter after a string of controversial officiating decisions that visibly enraged the veteran coach.
The flashpoint began with 8:44 remaining, when Curry hit a floater that initially counted, only for officials to retroactively rule he had been fouled before the shot, wiping away the basket.
“It’s usually play on if it’s a made shot,” Curry said postgame. “I’ve never seen it waved off like that.”
Moments later, Gary Payton II’s layup attempt was blocked by John Collins, but replay showed Collins touched the ball after it hit the backboard, which should have resulted in a goaltending violation.
Crew chief Brian Forte later confirmed in a pool report that the play was miscalled.
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Kerr Charges the Floor, Gets Tossed
Instead of a goaltend and two points for Golden State, the Clippers pushed the other way, leading to Curry’s fifth foul on the ensuing possession.
That was the breaking point.
Kerr stormed onto the court, shouting at all three officials and needing to be physically restrained by Gary Payton II, assistant coaches, and staff. Officials issued two technical fouls in rapid succession, resulting in Kerr’s ejection.
Assistant coach Terry Stotts took over as interim head coach for the remainder of the game.
“I’m up here because I’m saving Steve some money,” Stotts joked afterward.
Warriors Rally After Kerr’s Exit
Ironically, the Warriors responded positively after losing their head coach.
Golden State outscored the Clippers by nine points following Kerr’s ejection, mounting a late comeback that nearly flipped the outcome.
Curry drilled two clutch three-pointers in the final two minutes, finishing with 27 points, before committing his sixth foul with 43 seconds left while battling for a rebound.
Curry acknowledged the final foul was correct, but its impact was decisive.
It marked his first foul-out since 2021, leaving the Warriors without their star on the final offensive possession.
Missed Chance at the Buzzer
With Curry watching from the sideline, Jimmy Butler had a clean look at a game-winning fadeaway at the buzzer, but the shot rimmed out.
The Clippers escaped with the one-point win, despite Golden State’s furious late surge.
Kerr declined to speak with reporters after the game.
Snoop Dogg Adds to the Moment
The incident gained extra attention thanks to Snoop Dogg, who was a guest analyst on Peacock’s broadcast alongside Reggie Miller and Terry Gannon.
His live reaction added a pop-culture edge to an already explosive sequence, quickly turning Kerr’s ejection into a viral NBA moment.
What the Loss Means Going Forward
Despite the defeat, the Warriors dropped to 19–18 but have won six of their previous nine games and now return home for an eight-game homestand in San Francisco.
Players including Curry, Draymond Green, and Butler voiced appreciation for Kerr’s emotional defense of the team, even acknowledging the cost.
“If he didn’t react, I probably would have,” Curry said.
FAQ
Why was Steve Kerr ejected?
Steve Kerr was ejected after receiving two technical fouls for aggressively protesting missed calls, including a waved-off basket and a missed goaltending violation.
What was the controversial call that angered Kerr?
A block by John Collins on Gary Payton II should have been ruled goaltending, according to the NBA’s postgame pool report.
Did the NBA admit a mistake?
Yes. Crew chief Brian Forte confirmed the play should have been ruled goaltending.
Why did Stephen Curry foul out?
Curry committed his sixth foul with 43 seconds left while contesting a rebound. He said the call was correct.
When was the last time Curry fouled out?
This was Curry’s first foul-out since 2021.
Did Kerr’s ejection affect the game?
Despite losing Kerr, the Warriors rallied and nearly won, outscoring the Clippers after his ejection.
Who coached the Warriors after Kerr was ejected?
Assistant coach Terry Stotts took over as interim head coach.
Why was Snoop Dogg involved?
Snoop Dogg was a guest commentator on Peacock’s broadcast, making the ejection moment especially memorable.
