Yaxel Lendeborg is strong like ‘ox,’ according to Steve Kerr, and he’s changing Dubs’ vibes

Golden State Warriors rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg had a standout performance in the team's 134-114 win over the Nuggets on Monday, and Steve Kerr has high praise for the first-year man. Lendeborg finished the game with a triple-double: 31 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block in 31 minutes of play to help the Warriors get their first win of the season.

Steve Kerr on Yaxel Lendeborg’s 31-12-6 in Denver

“In all the critical spots, we put the ball
In his hands. For a rookie to be that advanced already is extremely rare.”

“He’s going to be a guy who closes games.” pic.twitter.com/vIFq4CqigY

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 27, 2026

In post-game media availability, Kerr praised Lendeborg.

“He's been good from the start offensively. You can see he's still a little out of control on some plays. When he learns to take an extra dribble as he attacks the big and slows down, he had one in the first half where he slowed down in transition, did a little euro step, and laid it in. We're going to see more and more of that.”

He then commented on Lendeborg's strength.

Article Continues Below

“No, he's strong as an ox and skilled, and the way the game is played, he's going to be able to get to the line a ton. He saw it tonight. Basically, in all the critical moments of the game, we just put the ball in his hands. For a rookie to be that advanced already, it's extremely rare, but it's exciting because I think he's going to get a lot better too.”

ESPN Golden State Warriors reporter Anthony Slater highlighted Lendeborg's ability to get to the free-throw line as He knocked down 12 of 13 free-throw attempts. Kerr compared him to Jimmy Butler in that ability.

“Changes everything. When you get to the line consistently, you can control the game. The other team goes on a run, you go to a guy like Yax or Jimmy, get fouled, and the game slows down. You set your defense, and the game just gets a lot easier. Yax, having that ability combined with his passing skills, he's going to be a guy who's going to close games like he did tonight.”