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SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 25: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors shouts out to the officials for a review of a play against the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at Chase Center on December 25, 2025 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors have played on Christmas quite a lot during the Stephen Curry era. With Curry being one of the most popular and fun players to watch in the league, the NBA has loved putting him on their showcase day.
Playing on Christmas is certainly an honor for teams in the NBA. Yet, it is also a burden for players who have to play on the holiday every year. The Warriors have had a brutal schedule this year, and that Christmas Day game was part of it.
Draymond Green is not a fan of playing on Christmas. He had some harsh words about playing on the NBA’s flagship day on his podcast.
GettyGolden State Warriors forward Draymond Green reacts during a game. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Warriors Forward Draymond Green Flames Christmas Day Games
Green talked about how much he hates playing on Christmas on his podcast, The Draymond Green Show.
“Playing on Christmas Day also f—ing sucks. And the reason it sucks is, number one, what I—what I just said, uh, it can affect your mood. Number two, we are human beings and, just like everyone else, enjoy Christmas Day with our families. That kinda gets messed up for us.”
Green continued to talk about why it sucks playing on Christmas.
“Um, they’re in their homes or on vacation with their families, making memories. We don’t—we don’t get that opportunity. So I hate when people are like, ‘Oh man, it’s an honor to play on Christmas Day.’ People should shut up. Like, no—you should shut up, because whether you played on Christmas Day or not, I don’t—I don’t really care about the perspective.”
It’s pretty clear that Green would love not to have to play on Christmas Day anymore. As long as Curry is playing for the Warriors, there’s a good chance that the NBA will keep scheduling the Warriors to play on that day.
GettyGolden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry looks on. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Warriors Are Trying to Turn Things Around
Right now, the Warriors are eighth in the Western Conference standings. They are still trying to figure out how to become a team that is a true title contender. They have the third-best defense in the league, but the offense hasn’t been able to catch up.
Golden State will likely explore some trade possibilities at the deadline. However, the new CBA has made it much harder for teams to execute trades. With the Warriors being over the first apron of the luxury tax, making a trade is extremely difficult for them.
Still, the Warriors will try to do everything they can to win one more title before Curry retires in a few years. With Jimmy Butler on the roster as well, the Warriors will likely not be afraid to go all-in if there is a player at the deadline who can help them reach those heights.
Unfortunately, Golden State will have a tougher time acquiring that kind of player than other teams around the league will.
Ryan Stano Ryan Stano covers the NBA for Heavy.com. He has been covering sports since 2017, covering the NFL, College Football, College Basketball, and the NBA. His work has been featured on Yahoo, Bleacher Report, FanSided, and Sports Illustrated. More about Ryan Stano
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