Warriors Beat Kings as Yaxel Lendeborg Scores 23 Points

Yaxel Lendeborg delivered an efficient scoring performance to help the Golden State Warriors defeat the Sacramento Kings 111-106 in an NBA preseason game on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The forward scored 23 points in 24 minutes, showcasing his ability to create opportunities near the basket through physical drives and effective finishing. According to Sports Illustrated, Lendeborg made 10 of 14 field-goal attempts, including nine baskets in the paint and one 3-pointer.

Several scores came from cuts and putbacks, while his final four field goals resulted from drives that exploited his size and strength against defenders. Lendeborg, listed at 6-foot-9 and 241 pounds, repeatedly created separation by using his body to get past defenders. His final drive resulted in a basket and a foul, demonstrating how he could finish through contact.

The performance strengthened the case for his stated goal of averaging at least 15 points per game.

Although Sacramento's defensive personnel provided opportunities, Lendeborg's ability to attack mismatches and finish around the rim stood out. His combination of size, physicality and control allowed him to score against NBA-level athletes during the preseason contest.

The Warriors, however, continued to struggle with turnovers, committing 21 against Sacramento. While preseason rotations and lineups can contribute to mistakes, early-game errors highlighted an issue that could undermine the team's performance. Golden State committed four turnovers in the opening five minutes, according to Sports Illustrated's game analysis.

Gui Santos had a pass intercepted by Zach LaVine, while Draymond Green threw a cross-court pass that Brandin Podziemski caught out of bounds. Santos was subsequently called for traveling, and another Green pass intended for a cutting Gary Payton II was intercepted.

Those early mistakes gave the Warriors little room for error, even as they ultimately secured the five-point victory. The team's total of 21 turnovers included mistakes that reflected the challenges of preseason play, but the opening sequence exposed problems with passing decisions and ball security. Georges Niang also provided a positive development for Golden State by bouncing back from a difficult start to the preseason. The 33-year-old forward had made just four of 14 field-goal attempts and one of six 3-point attempts across his first two preseason games.

Against Sacramento, Niang scored 13 points on six shots, connecting on three of four attempts from beyond the arc. His improved shooting offered the Warriors another perimeter scoring option alongside Stephen Curry. One of Niang's most encouraging baskets came midway through the second quarter.

Curry dribbled to his left before delivering a one-handed pass with his left hand to Niang on the opposite wing after De'Andre Hunter briefly moved into the paint to provide help defense. Niang had limited space to shoot but released the ball immediately and made the 3-pointer. His performance offered a promising response to his earlier shooting struggles as Golden State continued its preseason preparations.