Rookie Lendeborg scores 37 as Warriors beat Clippers

LOS ANGELES — Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg poured in 37 points as the Golden State Warriors shrugged off the absence of Stephen Curry to beat the Los Angeles Clippers, 124-112, on Sunday (Monday in Manila). Lendeborg, who was picked 11th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft, racked up the highest points tally yet of his fledgling career while also providing six assists and grabbing four rebounds, as the Warriors snagged a fourth straight win. His 37 points were the most by a Warriors rookie in a game since Curry had 42 in 2010. Curry, now a 38-year-old veteran, had averaged 33 points over the past three games, including 44 against the Timberwolves on Wednesday, but missed Sunday’s game to manage his troublesome right knee. With Draymond Green also out, 24-year-old American-Dominican forward Lendeborg was the linchpin of a Warriors attack that has bounced back emphatically from losing its opening three games, after missing out on last season’s playoffs. “I’m gonna just continue to try to keep playing with a smile on my face. Maybe throw little dance moves like Steph in once in a while, but I’m gonna just keep trying to find my joy,” said Lendeborg. Coach Steve Kerr praised Lendeborg for adapting so quickly to...