Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has made a remarkable start to his NBA career, scoring 37 points in a 124-112 win over the LA Clippers. This achievement marks the most points scored by a Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010. Lendeborg's impressive performance has generated early buzz for Rookie of the Year, with his average of 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game making him a legitimate contender. Lendeborg's journey to this point is a testament to his hard work and dedication. After averaging only 30 points in 112 college games, he has already eclipsed 30 points twice in his first two weeks as a professional. His rapid growth can be attributed to his time at UAB and Michigan, where he developed his skills as a scorer and shooter. Lendeborg's coach, Steve Kerr, praised his talent and skill, stating that he is 'so skilled and so talented that he's making all kinds of plays.' Lendeborg's confidence and comfort on the court are evident, as he has shown the ability to make shots from anywhere on the perimeter, including four off-the-dribble 3-pointers in the third quarter. His teammates have also taken notice of his growth, with De'Anthony Melton and Will Richard alerting him to the opportunity to reach 40 points, which he ultimately chose not to pursue, citing his commitment to 'ethical hoops' and avoiding 'stat chasing.' The Warriors' win over the Clippers marks their fourth consecutive victory after an 0-3 start, and Lendeborg's performance has been a key factor in this turnaround. His impact on the team has been significant, and coach Kerr believes that he is 'changing everything' with his scoring ability. As the season progresses, it will be exciting to see how Lendeborg continues to develop and contribute to the Warriors' success.
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Lendeborg dazzles again with 37, regrets 'falling into peer pressure' to chase 40
Prepared with AI assistance; not independently fact-checked. Original source: ESPN NBA