Warriors rookie posts record scoring night

Yaxel Lendeborg scored 37 points on Sunday night, a mark that stands as the highest total for a Golden State Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry posted 36 in 2010. The 6-foot-10 forward made 13 of 19 shots, including six 3-pointers, as the Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 124 to 112.

Lendeborg reached the 30-point threshold for the second time in his first two weeks in the NBA. He had previously scored 31 points earlier in the season. Before entering the professional league, he reached that milestone only once in 112 college games. His current season averages stand at 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in seven games.

Head coach Steve Kerr rested Curry and Draymond Green on Sunday. The team saved them for a Monday night game against the Phoenix Suns, creating a scoring void that Lendeborg filled. "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 rookie's development accelerated during his final college season at Michigan. He increased his 3-point attempts to 4.5 per game, making 37% of them. At UAB, he attempted only one 3 per game. Assistant coach Mike Boynton encouraged him to shoot more frequently to fit Dusty May's system.

Kerr noted that the team expected Lendeborg to be a skilled shooter but did not anticipate the volume or efficiency seen on Sunday. "I didn't expect what I saw tonight," Kerr said. The coach added that Lendeborg is still adjusting to the speed of the NBA but possesses the talent to make various plays.

Late in the game, Lendeborg faced a tactical dilemma. With the Warriors at the free throw line, teammates De'Anthony Melton and Will Richard told him he was three points away from 40. Lendeborg then took three difficult 3-pointers, missing all of them. The Clippers used the opportunities to cut the lead to eight points.

Kerr called a timeout and removed Lendeborg from the game. "The NBA game these days can change like that," Kerr said. "Almost every night, there's a 25-point lead overcome." Lendeborg acknowledged the error, stating that he is not usually a stat chaser and that the peer pressure to reach 40 points led to poor decision-making.

The Warriors secured their fourth consecutive win, improving their record after an 0-3 start. Lendeborg's performance has generated early discussion regarding Rookie of the Year honors. Kerr described the impact of Lendeborg's rise as changing the dynamic of the team's offense on nights without Curry.