Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a standout performance, scoring 37 points to secure a 124-112 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers. The win marked the Warriors’ fourth consecutive success as they overcame the absence of veteran star Stephen Curry, who was sidelined to manage his right knee. Curry, now a 38-year-old veteran, had averaged 33 points over the past three games, including 44 against the Timberwolves on Wednesday, but missed Sunday’s game to manage his troublesome right knee. According to but he’s so skilled and so talented that he’s making all kinds of plays out there,”, Kerr.
Selected 11th in the 2026 draft, the 24-year-old Lendeborg recorded the highest point total for a Warriors rookie since Curry posted 42 points in 2010. Lendeborg, who was picked 11th overall in the 2026 NBA draft, racked up the highest points tally yet of his fledgling career while also providing six assists and grabbing four rebounds, as the Warriors snagged a fourth straight win on Sunday.
Beyond his scoring, he contributed four rebounds and six assists. The American-Dominican forward served as the primary catalyst for an offense playing without Draymond Green, helping the team maintain momentum after a difficult 0-3 start to the season. With Draymond Green also out, 24-year-old American-Dominican forward Lendeborg was the linchpin of a Warriors attack that has bounced back emphatically from losing its opening three games, after missing out on the last season’s playoffs. “I’m gonna just continue to try to keep playing with a smile on my face.
Reflecting on his playstyle and the comparisons to his veteran teammate, Lendeborg said he aims to find his joy on the court, noting he might occasionally replicate Steph’s signature dance moves.
Head coach Steve Kerr expressed admiration for the newcomer’s rapid adjustment to the professional league, stating that despite the game still feeling fast for him, his natural talent and skill set are already creating a remarkable impact.
In other Sunday action, the Los Angeles Lakers maintained their lead to defeat the Toronto Raptors 131-125, fueled by 45 points and 15 rebounds from Luka Doncic. Although Toronto threatened a late comeback behind 15 fourth-quarter points from Jamison Battle, Lakers coach JJ Redick opted to reinsert his starters in the closing minute to ensure the win. Even as the Raptors rallied from a 26-point deficit to create a few late nerves in Los Angeles, the Lakers took the lead early in the first quarter and never surrendered it.
The Boston Celtics stretched their winning streak to five games by holding off the Orlando Magic 108-97. Jayson Tatum paced the offense with 32 points and seven assists. While Boston allowed a 15-point advantage to slip away during the third quarter, their defense rebounded by forcing 18 turnovers for 21 points, effectively sealing the game despite 17 points from Paul George. Forcing 18 turnovers for 21 points to pull clear again down the stretch, but Boston’s defence stayed resolute.
The Brooklyn Nets finally earned their first win of the season by topping the Indiana Pacers 98-90, with Michael Porter Jr. leading the effort with 23 points and nine rebounds. The result drops the Sacramento Kings to a 0-6 record, leaving them as the only remaining winless team in the NBA.
Additionally, the league office issued a one-game unpaid suspension to Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings for intentionally striking Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens in the head. The incident led to Flemings’ ejection during the Hawks’ 121-99 loss to New Orleans on Saturday.
