Lendeborg’s 31-Point Double-Double Powers Warriors Past Nuggets for First Win

Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg posted 31 points and 12 rebounds in a 134-114 road victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg recorded 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists on Monday night to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 134-114 road victory over the Denver Nuggets. The win marked the first of the season for Golden State (1-3), who entered the contest as seven-point underdogs. Lendeborg’s 87 total points through his first four NBA games are the most by a Warriors rookie since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959.

Stephen Curry finished with 24 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting performance, marking only the second time in his career he has not missed a shot in a game. Despite Curry attempting only one shot in the first half, Golden State held a four-point lead at halftime behind 15 points from Lendeborg and six 3-pointers from the bench. Brandin Podziemski added 18 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, helping the Warriors outscore Denver by 13 points during the 21 minutes Curry rested.

Lendeborg struggled from deep, missing seven of his eight 3-point attempts, but he earned 13 trips to the free-throw line. His performance included a fourth-quarter sequence where he assisted an Al Horford 3-pointer, completed a transition alley-oop, and assisted a Gui Santos 3-pointer to seal the win. Through four games, Lendeborg has attempted 31 free throws, the seventh-highest mark in the league.

The Nuggets fell to 1-2 following the loss. Nikola Jokic criticized the home crowd for booing the team, reiterating his stance that those who booed during their previous overtime win against the Pelicans were not "real fans." Golden State played without injured wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, providing Lendeborg the opportunity to close the game while Curry and Draymond Green remained on the bench.