Yaxel Lendeborg delivered a career-best 37-point performance as the Golden State Warriors extended their winning streak to four games with a 124-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.
The 24-year-old rookie stepped up in the absence of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, producing the best scoring performance of his young NBA career to help Golden State continue its impressive recovery from a difficult start to the season.
Lendeborg, who was selected 11th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, also recorded six assists and four rebounds as the Warriors secured another important victory.
His 37-point display was particularly significant because it represented the highest scoring performance by a Warriors rookie since Curry registered 42 points in 2010.
Curry, now 38, missed the contest as the franchise managed his troublesome right knee. The veteran guard had been in outstanding form, averaging 33 points across his previous three appearances, including a 44-point performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
However, his absence did little to slow down the Warriors, with Lendeborg taking responsibility offensively against the Clippers.
Golden State had endured a miserable opening to the campaign, losing its first three games after missing last season’s playoffs. The four consecutive victories have now provided Steve Kerr’s side with renewed momentum as they look to establish themselves among the Western Conference contenders.
Speaking after the game, Lendeborg expressed his determination to maintain his positive approach while joking about borrowing some of Curry’s celebrations.
“I’m gonna just continue to try to keep playing with a smile on my face. Maybe throw little dance moves like Steph once in a while, but I’m gonna just keep trying to find my joy,” said Lendeborg.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr was equally impressed with the rookie’s immediate impact, although he believes there is considerably more improvement to come.
“He’s playing this way and he really doesn’t know the NBA game yet… The game is still really fast for him. But he’s so skilled and so talented that he’s making all kinds of plays out there,” said Kerr.
“I think he’s going to get a lot better… But it’s remarkable the impact he’s making on these games in the first couple of weeks of the season.”
Doncic leads Lakers past Raptors despite late scare
Elsewhere, Luka Doncic produced another outstanding offensive performance to help the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Toronto Raptors 131-125.
The Slovenian superstar finished with 45 points and 15 rebounds as the Lakers secured a victory that looked comfortable for much of the contest before Toronto mounted a late comeback.
Los Angeles controlled the opening stages and built a commanding 26-point advantage, putting themselves in a strong position to secure the win.
However, the Raptors refused to surrender, producing an impressive fourth-quarter response that briefly threatened to turn the game around.
Jamison Battle scored 15 points in the final period as Toronto continued to cut into the deficit, forcing Lakers coach JJ Redick to bring his starters back onto the court during the final minute.
The decision proved important as Los Angeles managed to protect its advantage and close out the victory.
Doncic’s performance once again highlighted his importance to the Lakers, particularly as they look to maintain consistency during the early stages of the campaign.
Celtics extend winning streak against Magic
The Boston Celtics also continued their impressive run, recording a fifth consecutive victory with a 108-97 win over the Orlando Magic.
Jayson Tatum led the way with 32 points and seven assists as Boston overcame a difficult third quarter to maintain its winning momentum.
The Celtics had established a 15-point advantage before their shooting struggles allowed Orlando to fight its way back into the contest.
However, Boston responded defensively, forcing 18 turnovers that resulted in 21 points and eventually creating enough separation to secure the victory.
Paul George contributed 17 points, eight assists, two steals and two blocked shots as the Celtics demonstrated their defensive strength during the closing stages.
Nets secure first victory as Kings remain winless
Brooklyn Nets finally ended their disappointing start to the season by recording their first victory with a 98-90 win over the Indiana Pacers.
Michael Porter Jr led Brooklyn with 23 points and nine rebounds as the Nets improved their record to 1-5.
The result ended their opening losing streak and left the Sacramento Kings as the only team yet to record a victory in the NBA this season.
Sacramento remained winless at 0-6, putting further pressure on the franchise to find answers as the campaign continued.
Meanwhile, the NBA announced a one-game suspension without pay for Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings following an incident involving New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens.
Flemings was punished for intentionally elbowing McGowens in the head during Saturday’s 121-99 defeat to New Orleans. The incident occurred late in the game and resulted in his ejection.
With several teams beginning to establish winning momentum and others struggling to find consistency, the early NBA season continued to deliver significant developments across the league.
