Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is making a big impression during his first week in the NBA.
After Yaxel Lendeborg led the Golden State Warriors in scoring with 31 points to help them defeat the Denver Nuggets, it was time for legendary veteran Stephen Curry to take over against the Timberwolves.
Curry shot an incredible 44 points, his biggest output of the season so far, proving he has still got the magic touch at the age of 36. The big night lifts his season average to 28.8 ppg.
Lendeborg had another big performance, scoring 26 in the 119-114 victory. He is averaging 22.6 ppg, numbers that will put him into the Rookie of the Year conversations if he can keep them up.
The Summer League MVP spoke after the game, telling the SF Standard that he was amazed at Curry’s game and simply wanted to help ensure it did not go to waste.
Lendeborg said: “I caught myself shaking my head, like, wow, a couple times…Once he got out of the game, it’s like this is my opportunity to help him out, help [make] his greatness worthwhile.”
Lendeborg comments excite fans
It was significant that the Warriors were playing up against former first round pick Jonathan Kuminga, who failed to find a lasting role on the team.
Warriors fans took heart from Lendeborg’s comments, impressed at how tuned-in he is to supporting Curry’s ongoing push for a fifth NBA title.
One fan wrote: “We finally got our young guy but damn it took until Steph was 38 for this smh I wish they drafted better.”
Another added: “We really drafted a rook who cares about Steph’s remaining years and wants to make his job easier for him.”
“Yax cares more than the front office I’m crying,” added another.
A fourth fan added: “Best part is about this quote is that he’s not saying this to please the fans He likely genuinely means this.”
And another posted: “Finally somebody (besides Jimmy) who cares about Steph’s legacy.”
With two wins in a row, the Warriors have bounced back to 2-3 after a poor start. Jimmy Butler is expected back in early 2027, and it could be quite a sight to have him in full flow with Curry and Lendeborg.
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