Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored 37 points as the seven-time NBA champions played without the absent Stephen Curry to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 124-112 on Sunday.
Warriors Rookie Shines Without Curry
Lendeborg, selected 11th overall in the 2026 NBA draft, recorded the highest points tally of his young career while adding six assists and four rebounds to secure a fourth consecutive victory for the Warriors. His 37-point performance marked the highest scoring game by a Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry scored 42 points in 2010.
Curry, a 38-year-old veteran, missed the matchup to manage a troublesome right knee after averaging 33 points over the previous three games, which included a 44-point performance against the Timberwolves on Wednesday. With Draymond Green also sidelined, the 24-year-old American-Dominican forward stepped up to lead the team following their winless opening three games of the season.
“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,” Lendeborg said.
Coach Steve Kerr commended Lendeborg for his rapid adaptation to the league. “He’s playing this way, and he really doesn’t know the NBA game yet … The game is still really fast for him. But he’s so skilled and so talented that he’s making all kinds of plays out there,” Kerr stated. “I think he’s going to get a lot better … But it’s remarkable the impact he’s making on these games in the first couple weeks of the season.”
Lakers Hold Off Raptors and Celtics Defeat Magic
In other Sunday games, Luka Doncic recorded 45 points and 15 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Toronto Raptors 131-125. The Lakers established an early lead in the first quarter and maintained it despite a late Toronto comeback from a 26-point deficit that prompted Lakers coach JJ Redick to return his starters in the final minute.
The Boston Celtics secured their fifth straight win by beating the Orlando Magic 108-97, led by Jayson Tatum with 32 points and seven assists. Despite a blown 15-point lead in the third quarter due to wayward shooting, Boston relied on defensive pressure that forced 18 turnovers, while Paul George contributed 17 points, eight assists, two steals, and two blocks.
The Brooklyn Nets achieved their first victory of the season by defeating the Indiana Pacers 98-90, with Michael Porter Jr. leading the scoring at 23 points and nine rebounds to improve Brooklyn’s record to 1-5. The result leaves the Sacramento Kings as the sole winless team in the NBA with a 0-6 record.
Additionally, the NBA suspended Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings for one game without pay for intentionally elbowing New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens in the head during the Hawks’ 121-99 loss on Saturday.
