Yaxel Lendeborg has changed everything for Steph Curry, Warriors this season
This was supposed to be a wasted season for Steph Curry. The Warriors were injury-riddled and coming off a lackluster summer in which they made no major moves. It meant the greatest shooter of all time was destined to tread water as he turned 39 years old. Yaxel Lendeborg changed everything. He has resuscitated Curry’s career.He has breathed new life into a flailing dynasty.
He has given the Warriors their future franchise star. Lendeborg was a question mark when the Warriors selected him as the No.11 pick in the 2026 draft. Can a jack-of-all-trades turn into a star? Can a 24-year-old surpass expectations or has he already peaked? Can a rookie really be NBA ready?Lendeborg has emphatically answered those questions. He’s averaging 21.5 points (50% shooting from the field, 40% from 3), seven rebounds and 3.9 assists for the Warriors, who have won five games in a row. The Warriors are good.
Curry has a wingman. This is thrilling for anyone who loves basketball. No one seems to be savoring this more than Curry, whose joy has been on full display amid the Warriors’ unexpected rise.During his 44-point deluge against the Timberwolves on Oct.28, Curry flashed a lunge pose after sinking a shot from beyond the arc. After his jab sent Luka Doncic onto his butt and he swished a 3-pointer against the Lakers on Oct.
30, he did the Edvard Munch celebration, putting his hands on his cheeks and opening his mouth in shock.And after scoring 34 points against the Suns on Monday, he didn’t hesitate when asked what has changed for the Warriors this season. “I mean, Yax,” Curry said, flashing a smile. Curry and Lendeborg are the NBA’s second-highest scoring duo (51.5 points per game), behind Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves (61.8). Lendeborg’s success has been a life raft for the Warriors, who are without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody for the first few months of the season and without Kristaps Porzingis indefinitely.In many ways, Lendeborg has unlocked Cur...