Kevin Durant Drops Strong Statement on Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 13: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors stands on the court during a stoppage in play in the first quarter of a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at T-Mobile Arena on October 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Warriors defeated the Lakers 101-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Kevin Durant had a message for Yaxel Lendeborg after facing his old team in Houston. The Houston Rockets forward beat the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, then gave the rookie a big compliment. “He’s a problem. A matchup problem,” Durant said in his postgame interview.

Kevin Durant on Lendeborg

Durant said Lendeborg’s mix of size and skill stands out. He also said he is looking forward to what comes next.

“Being that tall and being that skilled, I’m excited to see his career unfold and I’m grateful that I got to play against him tonight,” Durant said.

The praise came after Lendeborg scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in a 115-108 loss.

Guru

@DrGuru_ · Follow

Kevin Durant on Yaxel Lendeborg:

“He’s a problem. A matchup problem. Being that tall, that skilled too. I’m excited to see his career unfold, grateful that I got to play against him tonight”

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12:25 am · 12 Nov 2026

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How Lendeborg Has Started His Career

Lendeborg made his NBA debut with a buzz. He traded words with Luka Doncic in his very first game. The 24-year-old has backed it up since.

He is averaging 21.7 points and 7.4 rebounds through the start of the season.

Golden State Warriors Lose Stephen Curry Early

Durant’s comments came on a night when the Warriors lost Stephen Curry in the first quarter. Curry left with right abdominal soreness and went for an MRI. Durant scored 20 points for Houston against the team he won two championships with.

The loss ended Golden State’s eight-game winning streak. Without Curry, Lendeborg took on a bigger role. Durant noticed.

Anthony Slater

@anthonyVslater · Follow

Steph Curry left the arena in the second half for an MRI, per Kerr. Curry told him it was a tweak in abdomen/side and something he hadn’t felt before. Said there was a high level of concern until they get test results back.

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12:23 am · 12 Nov 2026

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What’s Next for the Warriors

TheWarriors have not announced a timeline for Stephen Curry, and his MRI results are pending. If he misses time, Lendeborg will have a bigger stage.

The Warriors are 8-4 and already short-handed. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody are out with long-term knee injuries. Brandon Williams will miss at least a week with a hamstring strain. Brandin Podziemski added 22 points against Houston after Curry left, and Golden State will lean on him again.

Next up is a Friday game against the San Antonio Spurs.