Yaxel Lendeborg ‘amazed' by Steph Curry's big night in win over Timberwolves

Yaxel Lendeborg ‘amazed' by Steph Curry's big night in win over Timberwolves originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

The Warriors won their second straight game, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-114 in a close final quarter, as Golden State rookie Yaxel Lendeborg continued his early season success.

But it was star Steph Curry that put on a show, scoring 44 points on six 3-pointers and still showing that he is critical to Golden State’s core. Lendeborg spoke to reporters after the game and expressed his amazement at Curry’s performance, while acknowledging that it motivated him to do his part for the team.

“I think I need somebody to cuss me out, like Draymond [Green] did today, because I’m just watching, like, man, this guy is good as hell,” Lendeborg said. “I caught myself shaking my head, like ‘wow,’ a couple times. But once he got out of the game, it’s like, this is my opportunity to help him out, help his great [game] be worth a lot. But I was amazed today for sure.”

Curry scored 19 points in the second quarter in about nine minutes, putting Golden State ahead by a considerable amount going into the second half. But it was the second half that really turned heads, with Curry scoring 21 points and going 16 for 16 at the free throw line for the night.

Lendeborg, who was one of only three Warriors, including Curry, to score in double figures, had seven turnovers, but Curry’s big game made those turnovers less important to the outcome of the game.

The Warriors are severely shorthanded to start the season, with Jimmy Butler, Moses Moody and Kristaps Porziņģis all sidelined with injuries. Butler and Moody are not expected back until the start of the next calendar year, making Lendeborg’s presence even more important. The rookie is averaging 22.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists through the first five games, proving that he and Curry form a strong duo.

Golden State gets a night off on Thursday before beginning their NBA Cup campaign on Friday night against the Los Angeles Lakers at home. Lendeborg scored 12 points in a 127-105 loss to the Lakers on opening night, and is hoping to improve on that performance and lead the team to a win over their rivals this time around.

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