The Golden State Warriors wrapped up their preseason with a 128-118 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night, and Yaxel Lendeborg made sure the final tune-up left an impression. He kept pushing his Rookie of the Year case with another polished, efficient showing, giving Golden State exactly the kind of production that has defined his preseason outside of one quiet opener in Hawaii against the L.A. Clippers.
Lendeborg finished with 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block in just under 26 minutes. He did it on 6-of-9 shooting and knocked down 2-of-3 from 3-point range, continuing the kind of versatile play that has turned heads all month.
His role has grown along with the numbers. Through preseason, Lendeborg has locked down a starting spot and, with Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis still out, has developed into Golden State’s second offensive option behind Stephen Curry.
Curry found his rhythm after halftime and ended up leading the Warriors with 20 points, adding four rebounds and five assists. Even so, the shot line was uneven: he went 7-of-19 from the field and 3-of-11 from deep.
Brandin Podziemski matched Lendeborg with 17 points of his own, and his scoring picked up as the game wore on. He got to the free-throw line seven times and shot 3-of-7 from beyond the arc. Al Horford also finished the preseason on a high note, scoring 15 points in 15 minutes off the bench while hitting 5-of-8 from 3-point range.
Lendeborg’s preseason run, plus the MVP award he picked up in summer league, has put him firmly in the Rookie of the Year mix. Even so, the race is crowded.
Cam Boozer is seen as an early favorite, with the expectation that he could become the best and most important player on the Memphis Grizzlies. AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Caleb Wilson are also in the group, and Darius Acuff Jr. is set to have the offense run through him in Sacramento.
Still, Lendeborg belongs in that top six conversation, and the bookmaking odds reportedly show a clear drop after the seventh player. The 11th overall pick now turns to his first career game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday, coming off a preseason in which he gave Warriors fans plenty to like after being selected in June’s NBA Draft.
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Warriors Suddenly Have An Intriguing Edge In Karl-Anthony Towns Chase
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Towns reported frustration with the Knicks over contract talks only adds another layer to the situation, and ESPNs Brian Windhorst has already mentioned the Warriors among the teams that could circle if he reaches free agency. Golden State also has a possible cultural connection to sell, with Al Horford and Yaxel Lendeborg both sharing Dominican heritage, a detail that could matter if the Warriors try to position themselves as a natural fit. [Read more 🡒]
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Draymond Green Is Facing A Warriors Role Shift That Could Grow
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Kerr has also sounded comfortable with Green starting at center when the roster situation calls for it, especially with other players dealing with health concerns. For a team that has long depended on Greens versatility to keep the offense and defense connected, the changing usage is worth watching because it could become more than just a temporary adjustment if Golden State keeps leaning into it. [Read more 🡒]