Yaxel Lendeborg Scores 37 Points in Warriors Win

Golden State Warriors Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg Scores 37 Points in Win Over LA Clippers

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored 37 points in a 124-112 win over the LA Clippers, the most for a Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010. Lendeborg shot 13 of 19 from the field, including six 3-pointers, anchoring a shorthanded Warriors lineup on the front end of a back-to-back.

Resting Veterans Clear the Runway for a Rookie Scoring Surge

With Stephen Curry and Draymond Green resting to save their energy for a game against the Phoenix Suns, Lendeborg stepped into the primary offensive role. “Whenever Steph’s not in the game, it’s my opportunity to try to be the leader, be the main guy on the team,” Lendeborg said. The 24-year-old forward is averaging 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists through the early weeks of the season, generating early buzz for Rookie of the Year.

Four Years in College Shape a Late-Blooming NBA Skill Set

Before entering the league as the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Lendeborg spent four years in the college ranks, playing for Arizona Western Matadors, UAB Blazers, and finally the Michigan Wolverines. Teams largely passed on the 6-foot-10, 240-pound forward due to his age, with coach Steve Kerr observing that the NBA often penalizes players for entering the league at 24. Kerr added that Lendeborg’s maturity gives him an advanced feel for the game compared to younger first-year players.

Developing Perimeter Shooting Transforms the Warriors Offense

Lendeborg rarely attempted 3-pointers during his time at UAB, averaging just one per game. His perimeter volume increased at Michigan after assistance from then-assistant coach Mike Boynton, allowing Lendeborg to shoot 37 percent from deep on 4.5 attempts per game during his lone season there. Against the Clippers, he made six 3-pointers.

Late-Game Stat-Chasing Lesson Nearly Burns the Warriors

Late in Sunday’s victory, teammates De’Anthony Melton and Will Richard informed Lendeborg that he was three points away from 40, prompting him to hunt for difficult 3s. “Falling into peer pressure like I did just now was bad on my part. I’m a guy that loves ethical hoops. I kind of didn’t do that for the last two or three minutes,” Lendeborg said.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yaxel Lendeborg

What was Yaxel Lendeborg’s college background before reaching the NBA?

Lendeborg played junior college basketball at Arizona Western before transferring to UAB and finishing his college career at Michigan, where he was honored with Big Ten Player of the Year and helped lead the team to a deep NCAA tournament run.

How much is Yaxel Lendeborg’s rookie contract worth with the Warriors?

Lendeborg signed a four-year, $28.1 million rookie contract with Golden State in July, which includes $12.5 million guaranteed and team options for the third and fourth seasons.

What historical franchise milestone did Lendeborg tie or break?

His 37-point performance against the Clippers marked the most points for a Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010.