Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – No Curry, no worries! Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored 37 points on Sunday in the NBA to give San Francisco victory despite the absence of its star, when Luka Doncic again carried the Lakers.

Published on: 02/11/2026 - 07:57

Without the illustrious Steph Curry, 38, and on the sidelines because of his creaky right knee, Lendeborg, 24, took on the role of the veteran to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 124-112.

The one who was selected in 11th place during the draft this summer established his best total of points in his young career (in addition to 6 assists and 4 rebounds), the best total for a Warriors rookie since... Steph Curry, in 2010 (42 points against Portland).

Promise of blue skies for years to come over San Francisco Bay?

"He's playing at this level even though he doesn't really know the NBA yet... The pace is still very fast for him. But he's so skillful and talented that he's doing incredible things," applauds his coach Steve Kerr.

“I think he will still improve a lot. But the impact he has on these matches from the first weeks is impressive,” adds the technician.

The person said he wanted to "simply continue to play with a smile" and that's what he did on Sunday, with great marksmanship: 13 baskets out of 19 attempts, including 6 out of 11 at three points.

After offering the fourth victory of the season to the Californian franchise, which had started with three defeats, Lendeborg warned with a smile that if he continued like this, he could do "little dance steps like Steph" Curry.

The Tatum Lighthouse

Luka Doncic, who is playing his 9th season, would seem almost old next to Lendeborg.

But the Slovenian is in his prime, 27 years old, and it shows on the floor: he once again had a game with statistics worthy of an MVP (45 points and 15 rebounds).

Thanks to their captain, the Lakers won 131-125 against the Toronto Raptors, even if they scared themselves at the end of the match.

In front throughout the duration of the meeting, Los Angeles witnessed Toronto's comeback in the final quarter, driven by 15 points from Jamison Battle.

Lakers coach JJ Redick was forced to bring in his starters again to ensure a success that he thought was already sealed.

The Boston Celtics are riding an excellent momentum, with a fifth victory in a row, against the Orlando Magic (108-97).

Their flagship Jayson Tatum guided his teammates with 32 points and 7 assists.

Orlando tried everything but failed on the iron defense of the Celtics, which caused 18 turnovers for a total of 21 points scored on these changes of possession thanks, among others, to Paul George (17 points, 8 assists, 2 interceptions).

Nolan Traoré's Brooklyn Nets went for their first success, against Indiana (98-90), helped by the Frenchman's 16 points and 6 assists.

Michael Porter Jr (23 pts, 9 rebounds) and Day'Ron Sharpe (15 pts, 13 rebounds) made their contribution to a building that will still need to be consolidated to ensure that it was not a victory without a future.

© 2026 AFP

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