Yaxel Lendeborg just dropped a mind-blowing 37 points against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday, a scoring explosion from a Warriors rookie not seen since Stephen Curry himself in his debut season. Curry sat out, resting, but Lendeborg stepped up and absolutely took over, showing exactly why he’s already one of Golden State’s most important players. This kid is making a serious case for being the best in what’s considered a stacked rookie class.
This Kid Is Playing On Another Level
We’re talking about a rookie performance that’s historical. Lendeborg racked up 37 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds in just 34 minutes. He shot an insane 13-of-19 from the field, including 6-of-11 from deep, plus 5-of-6 from the free throw line. That 37-point outburst is the highest by any Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry back in 2009-10. Think about that for a second. Curry only surpassed 37 points once in his entire rookie year, dropping 42 in the very last game. Lendeborg did this in early November. This isn’t just a good game, this is a statement. He is straight up sliding into the Warriors’ rotation and making himself indispensable.
What Lendeborg’s Emergence Means For Golden State
Head coach Steve Kerr isn’t holding back on the praise either, saying Lendeborg is “playing this way and he really doesn’t know the NBA game yet. He’s going to get a lot better.” That’s high praise! With the rest of the Golden State roster getting older, Lendeborg is a revelation, bringing much-needed young upside to the franchise. Right now, with Jimmy Butler still recovering from a torn ACL, Lendeborg is slotting in as the second offensive option when Curry is on the court. But once Butler is back? Lendeborg’s rise could be absolutely crucial for keeping both Butler and Curry fresh throughout the season. We’re talking about preserving their energy for the long haul, all because this rookie is balling out. He changes the expectations for the Warriors this season, and for their future, big time.
This is more than just a hot start, it’s a monumental shift for the Warriors. Lendeborg isn’t just filling a void, he’s becoming a foundational piece. With Curry needing rest days and the veteran core aging, having a young phenom like Lendeborg step up like this radically changes the dynamic for Golden State. Keep your eyes glued to the Warriors, because if Lendeborg keeps this up, their ceiling just got a whole lot higher.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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