You know that feeling when you think you’ve got a massive upset in the bag? That’s exactly what the Utah Jazz were feeling for about twenty-four minutes on Saturday night. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about the Golden State Warriors in 2026, it’s that a halftime lead against them is basically just a suggestion.
The Jazz vs Warriors matchup on January 3rd was a wild ride that saw Golden State pull off a 123-114 win, but the final score honestly doesn’t tell the whole story.
The Steph Curry Factor is Real
Steph was back. After sitting out a brutal 37-point loss to the Thunder with a sprained left ankle, he looked like he hadn't missed a beat. He dropped 31 points and drained six triples. Most of that damage happened in a nuclear third quarter where he scored 20 points by himself.
It’s kind of ridiculous. One minute the Jazz are up by seven at the half, looking like they might actually steal one on the road, and the next, Curry is hitting back-to-back threes to flip the momentum entirely.
Lauri Markkanen was doing everything he could to keep Utah in it. He was a monster in the first half, shooting 9-for-12 and finishing the night with 35 points and 6 rebounds. Honestly, Markkanen is playing at an All-Star level that almost makes you forget the Jazz are struggling through a losing streak. Almost.
Draymond Green’s Quick Exit
The drama wasn't just on the scoreboard. Draymond Green got tossed again. With 2:25 left in the second quarter, he got into it with the officials over a non-call—he thought there should’ve been a 3-second violation. Two technicals later, he was headed to the locker room.
That’s his second ejection in just four home games. It’s a recurring theme this season, and with nine technicals already, he’s creeping dangerously close to that 16-tech automatic suspension. It leaves the Warriors thin in the frontcourt, which is probably why the Jazz were able to hang around as long as they did.
Why Utah Faded
Utah's young core is fun to watch, but they just couldn't handle the Warriors' defensive adjustments in the fourth. Keyonte George put up 22 points and 9 assists, which is solid, but the Jazz only managed 18 points in the final frame. 18. You aren't winning at Chase Center with a fourth quarter like that.
They were missing Jusuf Nurkic, who was out with a sprained toe. Without his presence in the paint, the Warriors were able to push the pace and find Trayce Jackson-Davis for easy buckets. Jackson-Davis finished with a productive 15-minute stint, highlighting just how much depth this Golden State team still has when their regulars are healthy.
Quick Stats from Jazz vs Warriors (Jan 3, 2026):
- Final Score: Warriors 123, Jazz 114
- Top Scorer (GSW): Stephen Curry (31 pts, 6-13 3PT)
- Top Scorer (UTA): Lauri Markkanen (35 pts, 15-27 FG)
- The Turning Point: A 42-31 third quarter in favor of Golden State.
- Turnover Trouble: Golden State had 15 turnovers, which gave Utah 22 points.
What This Means Moving Forward
The Warriors moved to 19-17 with this win, basically keeping their heads above water in a crowded Western Conference. They’ve won six of their last eight, which is a good sign for Steve Kerr, especially considering they played five games in seven days.
For Utah, it’s a bit more somber. They’ve lost three straight and seven of their last nine. The talent is there with Markkanen and George, but they’re lacking the late-game execution needed to close out veteran teams.
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Critical Takeaways for Fans
If you're following the Jazz vs Warriors season series, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch the Draymond Technical Count: He’s at 9. If he hits 16, he’s suspended. His availability is the biggest "if" for the Warriors' playoff hopes.
- Lauri Markkanen Trade Speculation: With the Jazz sitting at 12-22 after this game, expect the trade rumors to heat up. Contenders are going to be salivating over his 35-point performance.
- Curry’s Ankle: He looked fine on Saturday, but the Warriors are clearly cautious. Any tweak could result in another 30-point blowout loss like the one they suffered against OKC.
- Utah's Defensive Gaps: They are currently 18th in the league in three-point defense. Letting the "Human Torch" get lit in the third quarter is a recipe for disaster.
To stay ahead of the next matchup, keep a close eye on the injury reports for Jusuf Nurkic. His return is vital for Utah’s interior defense. For the Warriors, monitor the minutes of Jimmy Butler—who had 15 points and 7 assists in this one—as he continues to integrate into the starting lineup after his recent illness. Check the official NBA schedule to see when these two meet again, as Utah will be looking for revenge on their home floor.