Yaxel Lendeborg Leads Warriors Past Kings With 23 Points

Yaxel Lendeborg strengthened his case as an important young player for the Golden State Warriors by delivering 23 points and 10 rebounds in a 111-106 preseason victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. The 11th overall pick also recorded six assists, two steals and a block, drawing comparisons to Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero after an impressive first-half performance.

According to bluemanhoop.com, Lendeborg scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds before halftime, helping Golden State establish a 61-56 lead. He finished the game shooting 10-of-14 from the field and posted a plus-18 rating in just under 24 minutes.

His performance came while the Warriors played without six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler and starting center Kristaps Porzingis. Stephen Curry, the two-time MVP, scored eight points in the first half as Lendeborg and fellow young forward Gui Santos provided much of the team's offensive production.

Warriors broadcaster Bob Fitzgerald made the comparison between Lendeborg and Banchero as the rookie left the court following his productive first half. The comparison reflects similarities in their size, ballhandling and ability to attack defenders, according to bluemanhoop.com.

Lendeborg also demonstrated his shooting ability, converting one of two three-point attempts in the first half. His combination of interior scoring, perimeter shooting and playmaking added another dimension to a Warriors offense that ranked 20th in the league last season, according to the source.

Santos finished with 15 points and six rebounds, giving Golden State another productive performance from a young forward. His 13 first-half points helped maintain the team's offensive momentum while Curry contributed eight points before halftime.

Brandin Podziemski added 14 points, seven rebounds and four assists in 26 minutes. He also recorded a plus-18 rating, matching Lendeborg for the highest mark in the game, according to bluemanhoop.com.

Podziemski's performance followed his signing of a five-year, $110 million contract extension. The Warriors' preseason showing provided another opportunity to evaluate their younger players as the team prepared for the upcoming NBA season.

Lendeborg's latest performance followed a strong impression during summer league and his first three preseason games. Although he has yet to make his NBA regular-season debut, his production against Sacramento has intensified comparisons with Banchero, an established star for the Orlando Magic.