The Utah Jazz haven't played on Christmas Day in four years, and it's hard to see when they'll be on the slate again. Even if they do, players like Draymond Green aren't too fond of having to play on the holiday. So much so that he ranted about it afterward. Jazz alum Derrick Favors sympathized with Green, but also made it clear he should appreciate the honor.
In response to Green's rant, Favors explained why he believes Green should be more appreciative being able to play on what is the NBA's most exciting day of the regular season (all due respect to the NBA Cup Finals).
I understand what he’s saying but I don’t agree! it is an honor! that’s HIS perspective! I don’t think every player feels that way and when you make the $ we make/made no one wants to hear that BS lol some make wayy less so he’ll be alright!
— Derrick Favors (@dfavors14) December 29, 2025
Favors added multiple responses basically saying it comes with the territory of being in the NBA. Someone later added that Green more or less agrees with Favors on the matter, though he thinks both sides are true, which the ex-Jazzman acknowledged.
Great!! Thanks for the info!!
— Derrick Favors (@dfavors14) December 30, 2025
So in essence, it sounds like Green has his issues with playing on Christmas but also understands why he has to play. Not only does it come with the territory of being in the league, but it also comes with the territory of playing for one of the NBA's most popular teams.
The Warriors are not what they were, and they are dealing with some internal issues, but because they are still the NBA's most recent dynasty, they still have one of the league's most popular players with Steph Curry, and are coming off a solid playoff campaign. Hence, they were on the Christmas Day slate again, and it may not be the last time with Green, whether he likes it or not.
Favors played on one Christmas Day game for the Jazz
Favors played for Utah from 2011 to 2019, then again from 2020 to 2021. In all the years he played in Utah, he played in one Christmas Day game: 2018, the last year of his first tenure with the Jazz. Utah has played on Christmas eight times, and only twice in the 21st century (the other time being 2021).
The Jazz came up victorious against the Trail Blazers, winning 117-96, and Favors himself did his part, putting up seven points and 10 rebounds. The Jazz got the nod because of how exciting they were the year before, and they more or less didn't let the league down in that regard.
Favors made some great memories for the Jazz. Because he embraced being a Jazzman in full, the love from fans still resonate today. He didn't get the chance to play on Christmas often, but because he treasured playing for Utah no matter what, he would have loved to do the same on the holiday.