Yaxel Lendeborg credited Stephen Curry and Draymond Green’s confidence in him for helping accelerate his development with the Golden State Warriors after delivering a career night against the Denver Nuggets.
The rookie recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in the Warriors’ 134-114 win on Monday, October 26, shooting 9-of-19 from the field and 12-of-13 from the free-throw line. Despite going 1-of-8 from three-point range, Lendeborg called it his best performance so far.
“Absolutely,” Lendeborg said when asked if his statistical production was surprising him. “Especially this game. I had 13 free throws, and that’s crazy. That’s absurd for me. And on a night where I can’t make a three for nothing, it’s crazy.”
The 24-year-old admitted the team’s difficult start had made the victory particularly meaningful.
“I would have cried if we lost again, but I’m just happy to get one on the board,” he said, as Golden State earned its first win of the season and avoided an 0-4 start.
Lendeborg also explained how conversations with Curry and Green helped him become more aggressive after a quiet preseason game in Hawaii.
“After the game in Hawaii, where I think I had like three points and only took like three shots, I asked them for some guidance, some advice, and they told me just try to be confident, be aggressive, and play through the mistakes,” he said.
“I was coming into the game timid, like, ‘I don’t want to mess up what they got going on,’ and they pretty much just gave me free roam. So they helped me out, and from then I just vowed to be a little more aggressive each night.”
The rookie said he was already feeling more comfortable offensively in his fourth NBA game, particularly with his patience when attacking the basket. However, he acknowledged that his defensive understanding still needs work.
“On the defensive end, I still have to figure out my weak-side help. I gave up a lot of buckets down low,” Lendeborg said. “So it’s all on my part. I’m going to watch a lot more film and finally see if I can figure it out one day.”
He praised head coach Steve Kerr for communicating directly and patiently as he learns the NBA game.
“He’s not screaming at me. He’s talking to me like a human,” Lendeborg said. “I really appreciate him for continuing to talk to me and have patience with me.”
Lendeborg also explained why he did not chase a higher scoring total late in the game, instead looking to set up teammates and protect the lead.
“I’ve never been a stat-padder ever,” he said. “I didn’t want to be too aggressive to try to get a career high and sell the game.”
The Warriors improved to 1-3 with the win and will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
