Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg ties rare rookie feat in home debut

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg achieved a statistical feat not seen by a Warriors rookie in decades during his home debut Friday night, despite his team’s 111-108 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Lendeborg recorded 18 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 assists, a stat line that mirrors a performance by franchise and Michigan legend Chris Webber. In honor of the accomplishment, Lendeborg wore a throwback No. 4 Warriors jersey, previously worn by Webber, which he had retrieved from his childhood closet.

"This is the jersey I’ve been wearing since I was a kid on the basketball court," Lendeborg told reporters. "Chris Webber, Michigan legend. Warrior legend. Had to represent, you know?"

Only two other Warriors players in the past six seasons have produced stat lines comparable to Lendeborg’s performance: Stephen Curry, who had 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists in 2021, and Brandin Podziemski, who posted 18 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists in February.

Despite his impressive statistical output, Lendeborg also contributed to the Warriors' 19 turnovers, accounting for six of them. Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged Lendeborg’s potential while noting his need to adjust to the NBA level.

"He’s gonna get better and better," Kerr said. "He just has to get used to the NBA. … He’s putting himself in some risky spots that he won’t be doing a few weeks from now."

Lendeborg’s matchup against fellow rookie Cameron Boozer, the No. 3 overall pick, was a focal point for the rookie. Boozer’s team ultimately secured the win, with Boozer scoring 25 points. Lendeborg expressed his desire to outperform his draft classmates but acknowledged Boozer’s strong performance.

"I always want to have a good game against anybody in my draft class, try to outperform them. Today I didn’t," Lendeborg admitted. "But every game I’m definitely gonna try to take that personally, try to win my matchup and ultimately win the game for the team. I didn’t do both today, but I’ll win it next time."

Boozer’s go-ahead shot with 20 seconds remaining secured the victory for the Grizzlies, marking another loss for Lendeborg, who is still seeking his first NBA win.