Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg didn't back down from Luka Doncic in his NBA debut, and he didn't mince words about the Slovenian during a postgame press conference. Thursday, NBA pundit Stephen A. Smith gave his thoughts on the encounter, backing up the recent No. 11 overall pick.
“Here’s why I’m supportive in what Yaxel is saying. He’s saying, 'If you’re so great, quit whining to the officials. Just go out there and bust my a--. But stop whining to the officials looking to them for help.’ I was really ticked off when that ref gave Yaxel that technical. I’m calling out the NBA. The NBA got to stop that nonsense! Let them talk!”
Following the game, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also supported the former Michigan Wolverines forward and his trash talk, saying, “I love it. I think the bravado, not backing down, it’s great.”
Lendeborg and Doncic will meet again soon, as Golden State hosts the Lakers Friday, Oct. 30.
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This article originally appeared on Warriors Wire: Stephen A. Smith defends Yaxel Lendeborg after feud with Luka Doncic