Maturity is hiding behind Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg's swagger

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is embracing the attention—and criticism—that comes with taking on outspoken roles early in the NBA. After a Friday night home debut that ended in a 111-108 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center, the 18-point, 13-rebound, six-assist performance came with six turnovers he said he “threw away” through mistakes and quick decisions. Lendeborg drew questions about Luka Dončić and said he won’t “back down,” framing it as “fun trash talk.” Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted Lendeborg is making risky plays that should come down as the game slows for him, including learning foul calls and dealing with flopping.