Yaxel Lendeborg Prepares to Lead Warriors Offense as Stephen Curry Sidelined
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is stepping into a primary scoring role with Stephen Curry sidelined for multiple weeks due to an oblique abdominal tear. Lendeborg, who averages 21.7 points per game, acknowledges the pressure of becoming the team's focal point.
🏀NBA & WNBAPhoto: The Athletic
Key points
- Stephen Curry is out for multiple weeks with an oblique abdominal tear
- Yaxel Lendeborg averages 21.7 points per game heading into Friday's game against San Antonio
- Lendeborg plans to shoot more perimeter shots to avoid Victor Wembanyama's paint defense
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg finds himself stepping into a much heavier offensive burden following the news that Stephen Curry will miss multiple weeks due to an oblique abdominal tear. Heading into Friday night's matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, Lendeborg admitted his confidence in carrying the scoring load sits at a 6 out of 10, citing internal questions about whether he can consistently live up to the standard.
Lendeborg enters the contest averaging 21.7 points per game and recognizes that opposing defenses will now shift their focus toward stopping him, much like the Houston Rockets did after Curry exited Wednesday's loss in the first quarter. To counter elite shot-blockers like Victor Wembanyama, the 24-year-old forward plans to expand his perimeter shooting and use meditation to manage his nerves.
Teammate Al Horford expressed full confidence in the rookie's immediate impact and ability to play his natural game without needing a special motivational speech. Meanwhile, veteran Draymond Green has challenged Lendeborg to embrace the mental shift of realizing he is frequently the top player on the floor.
What to watch next: See how Lendeborg adjusts his shot selection against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs defense on Friday night.
Source The Athletic — nytimes.com/athletic/7779939/2026/11/13/yaxel-lendeborg-warriors-st… ↗
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