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Yaxel Lendeborg stakes Rookie of the Year claim with dominant preseason finale

Yaxel Lendeborg used the Golden State Warriors' final preseason hitout to stake one more claim as a Rookie of the Year contender entering the season.

By Peter O'Keefe · Blue Man Hoop

Published: Saturday, 17 October 2026 at 5:10 AM

Key Things to Know

Yaxel Lendeborg bolstered his Rookie of the Year candidacy with 17 points in Golden State's preseason finale.
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 128-118 on Friday night.
Stephen Curry led Golden State with 20 points, while Brandin Podziemski added 17 points.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg strengthened his Rookie of the Year candidacy in a 128-118 preseason win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The 11th overall draft pick recorded 17 points, four rebounds, five assists, two steals, and one block across nearly 26 minutes of play.

Peter O'Keefe reports that Lendeborg has secured a starting role and established himself as Golden State's second scoring option behind Stephen Curry while Jimmy Butler and Kristaps Porzingis remain sidelined. Golden State opens its regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Yaxel Lendeborg stakes Rookie of the Year claim with dominant preseason finale

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