SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State Warriors rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a career-best performance Sunday night, scoring 37 points to lead his team to a 124-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
With veteran stars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green resting on the opening night of a back-to-back set, the 24-year-old rookie took control of the Golden State offense. Lendeborg made 13 of 19 shots from the floor, knocked down six of his 11 attempts from 3-point range, and added six assists and four rebounds in 34 minutes of action.
The performance established Lendeborg in elite franchise company. His 37 points were the highest total by a Warriors rookie in a single game since Curry scored 42 in 2010. Lendeborg also joined Hall of Fame inductees Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry as the only players in Golden State history to notch multiple 30-point outings within their first seven NBA appearances.
Bouncing Back in Style
The breakout display came just two days after Lendeborg endured a difficult outing against the Los Angeles Lakers, when he finished with only six points, five turnovers and fouled out in 24 minutes. Facing the Clippers, the 6-foot-9 forward showed poise from the perimeter and inside the paint.
Lendeborg explained after the game that he was determined to put Friday’s struggles behind him and return to having fun on the court. “I know I’ve got to keep my confidence no matter what goes on, good or bad game,” Lendeborg said, according to Pro Football Network. “I’m gonna just continue to try to keep playing with a smile on my face. Maybe throw little dance moves like Steph in once in a while, but I’m gonna just keep trying to find my joy.”
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr praised Lendeborg’s rapid acclimation to the professional level. Kerr noted that while the pace remains fast for the rookie, his natural skill allows him to make significant contributions early in the season.
Curry sat out Sunday to manage a right knee issue after averaging 33 points across his previous three appearances, including a 44-point showing against Minnesota. In his absence, the Warriors received balanced support from the perimeter. De’Anthony Melton scored 21 points, while Brandin Podziemski and Brandon Williams contributed 17 points apiece. Rui Hachimura led the Clippers with 24 points.
Around the Association
The victory extended Golden State’s winning streak to four games, improving its record to 4-3 following an 0-3 start to the season. The result was part of a busy Sunday slate across the NBA:
- Luka Doncic recorded 45 points and 15 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers held off a late push by the Toronto Raptors for a 131-125 win, Al Jazeera English reported.
- Jayson Tatum scored 32 points to guide the Boston Celtics to their fifth consecutive victory, defeating the Orlando Magic 108-97.
- The Brooklyn Nets secured their first victory of the season by beating the Indiana Pacers 98-90, leaving the Sacramento Kings as the league’s lone winless squad at 0-6.
- The league office issued a one-game suspension without pay to Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings for elbowing New Orleans guard Bryce McGowens in the head during Saturday’s contest.
The Warriors remain home to face the Phoenix Suns on Monday night, aiming to push their winning streak to five games.
