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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is quickly making a name for himself, and his latest performance has placed him in some impressive company.
Lendeborg erupted for a career-high 37 points Sunday night, leading the Warriors to a 124-112 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers at Chase Center.
The performance marked the most points scored by a Golden State rookie since Stephen Curry dropped 42 against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 14, 2010.
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The rookie is averaging 22.3 points through his first seven NBA games, joining Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Rick Barry as the only players in franchise history to average at least 20 points over that stretch.
Chamberlain averaged 37.4 points through his first seven games during the 1959-60 season, while Barry averaged 22.9 in 1965-66.
Lendeborg's latest performance was particularly impressive considering Golden State played without two of its biggest stars.
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green were held out for rest as the Warriors opened a back-to-back set.
With the veterans sidelined, Lendeborg took advantage of the opportunity.
The former Michigan standout shot 13-of-19 from the field, including six 3-pointers, while adding four rebounds and six assists.
He also scored five consecutive points midway through the third quarter, helping Golden State build an 83-68 advantage.
Lendeborg's breakout performance came just two days after a difficult outing against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The rookie managed just six points and one rebound before fouling out Friday, although Golden State overcame a 25-point deficit to secure a 112-95 victory.
But Lendeborg wasted little time bouncing back.
On Sunday, he emerged as the Warriors' leading offensive threat, delivering his second 30-point performance in just seven career games and continuing an impressive start to his NBA career.
De'Anthony Melton added 21 points, while Brandin Podziemski contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.
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The victory marked Golden State's fourth consecutive win after opening the season with three straight losses, providing further evidence of the team's early turnaround.
For Lendeborg, the historic performance was another statement in what is quickly becoming an impressive rookie campaign.
While the Warriors entered the season leaning on their established veterans, Lendeborg's emergence has given Golden State an unexpected offensive weapon and another reason to be optimistic about its future.
Seven games into his NBA career, Lendeborg is already putting his name alongside some of the greatest players in franchise history. And if his early success continues, his rookie season could become one of the most memorable in recent Warriors history.
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