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Yaxel Lendeborg, a rookie who grew up idolizing the NBA through highlight reels and viral clips, delivered a highlight of his own on Sunday night. Late in the first half, the 6-foot-10 forward executed a stunning crossover that sent Clippers big man Isaiah Jackson tumbling to the floor, electrifying the Chase Center crowd. Though Lendeborg missed the ensuing layup and drew a foul, the moment symbolized his rapid emergence as a must-watch talent.
That near-miss was one of the few blemishes in an otherwise spectacular outing, as Lendeborg scored a career-high 37 points to power Golden State past Los Angeles, 124-112. His ability to absorb information and adjust—whether within minutes, days, or weeks—has earned him the confidence of the Warriors' veteran core in just a month, granting him a remarkably long leash for a 24-year-old rookie.
The trust was evident after a shaky performance against the Lakers on Friday, when Lendeborg appeared rattled by early foul trouble, finishing with six points, one rebound, and five turnovers in 24 minutes. Teammates rallied around him with words of encouragement, and Stephen Curry later remarked, "It's all about the theme of him learning, trial-by-fire, going through the ups and downs in front of everybody. It's a tough demand, but I think he's built for it, and I'm pretty sure he'll respond extremely well next game." Curry's prediction proved prophetic.
Key Analysis
On Sunday, Lendeborg showcased a more controlled approach, shouldering significant ball-handling duties with Curry and Draymond Green resting. Instead of forcing drives into traffic, he attacked with purpose, drawing defenders and kicking out—evidenced by three first-half assists and zero turnovers. His scoring then exploded: a 14-point second quarter, followed by timely jumpers, including one over Rui Hachimura's 7-foot-2 wingspan that left Lendeborg shaking his head in mock disbelief. With a 20-point cushion late, he hunted for 40 but missed three 3-point attempts, visibly frustrated. The Clippers trimmed the lead to eight, prompting coach Steve Kerr to bench Lendeborg for the final two minutes, where De'Anthony Melton sealed the win with clutch threes. Another lesson learned for the promising rookie.
Originally reported by yahoo.