November 1, 2026 | Ethical Sports Takes
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 124-112 on Sunday night, powered by an outstanding performance from rookie Yaxel Lendeborg.
With Stephen Curry unavailable, Lendeborg stepped into the spotlight, delivering 37 points, four rebounds, and six assists on an efficient 13-of-19 shooting, including six three-pointers.
Golden State overcame a slow opening quarter before taking control through its perimeter shooting and balanced contributions.
First Quarter: Clippers Establish an Early Lead
Los Angeles opened the game with Rui Hachimura providing an early offensive spark. Hachimura scored inside and connected from beyond the arc as the Clippers established a narrow advantage.
Golden State stayed close through contributions from De’Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Lendeborg, whose first-quarter three-pointer tied the game at 24.
However, Kobe Sanders gave the Clippers a boost late in the period, hitting consecutive three-pointers before adding a dunk. Brook Lopez also connected from deep as Los Angeles finished the quarter ahead 37-29.
Second Quarter: Lendeborg Ignites the Warriors
Golden State began the second quarter with Brandon Williams providing energy off the bench, scoring on consecutive possessions to help erase the deficit.
The Warriors moved ahead as Georges Niang connected from three-point range and Melton added another perimeter basket.
But the biggest development came late in the half.
With Golden State leading 53-49, Lendeborg hit a turnaround jumper before drilling a three-pointer to stretch the advantage to six.
After Darius Garland responded from beyond the arc, Lendeborg answered with another three, drew a shooting foul, and converted both free throws.
He wasn’t finished.
With eight seconds remaining, Lendeborg knocked down another three-pointer, helping Golden State carry a 63-57 halftime lead despite Isaiah Jackson’s tip dunk at the buzzer.
The Warriors outscored the Clippers 34-20 in the second quarter, completely reversing the momentum from the opening period.
Third Quarter: Warriors Maintain Control
Golden State continued building its advantage after halftime.
Brandin Podziemski opened the quarter with a three-pointer, then added a driving layup as the Warriors pushed their lead to eight.
Lendeborg remained heavily involved, finishing an alley-oop, scoring on a drive, and hitting another three-pointer midway through the period.
That basket extended Golden State’s advantage to 83-68.
Los Angeles attempted to respond behind Hachimura, Garland, and Kris Dunn. Sanders also contributed a three-pointer and a dunk during a stretch that reduced the deficit.
However, Golden State answered through Brandon Williams and Podziemski, whose stepback three-pointer restored a double-digit cushion late in the quarter.
The Warriors entered the fourth ahead 92-85.
Fourth Quarter: Golden State Pulls Away
The Clippers remained within striking distance early in the final period, but Golden State’s outside shooting prevented them from mounting a serious comeback.
Al Horford and Will Richard connected from three-point range before Lendeborg took over again.
The rookie buried a three-pointer to extend Golden State’s lead to 103-92, then added two free throws.
Moments later, Melton stole a Garland pass and converted a three-pointer, pushing the lead to 16.
Lendeborg followed with another stepback three to make it 111-92, effectively putting the game beyond Los Angeles’ reach.
Podziemski contributed an and-one opportunity, while Charles Bassey finished a pair of alley-oops as Golden State stretched its lead to more than 20 points.
The Clippers produced some late scoring through Nick Martinelli and their reserves, but the outcome was no longer in serious doubt.
Final: Warriors 124, Clippers 112.
EST Takeaways
1. Yaxel Lendeborg is making an early statement.
The rookie delivered his best scoring performance of the season, finishing with 37 points on 68.4% shooting. His six three-pointers were especially impressive, and his playmaking added another dimension to an already outstanding night.
With Curry unavailable, Golden State needed someone to lead its offense. Lendeborg answered emphatically.
2. Golden State’s perimeter shooting made the difference.
The Warriors connected on 22 of 49 three-point attempts (45%), compared with the Clippers’ 14-of-39 performance (36%).
That advantage helped Golden State overcome a strong Clippers opening quarter and gradually create separation.
3. The supporting cast delivered.
Melton finished with 21 points, while Podziemski contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
Brandon Williams added another 17 points off the bench, giving Golden State several reliable scoring options.
4. Los Angeles couldn’t sustain its early momentum.
Hachimura led the Clippers with 24 points, while Kobe Sanders contributed 16 off the bench and Garland finished with 15 points and seven assists.
Despite scoring 37 points in the opening quarter, the Clippers managed just 20 in the second. That offensive slowdown allowed Golden State to take control.
Final Thoughts
Golden State improved to 3-3, while the Clippers dropped to 1-4.
For the Warriors, the victory was encouraging beyond the final score. With several established contributors unavailable, younger players stepped forward and delivered a convincing performance.
But the biggest story was undoubtedly Lendeborg.
Thirty-seven points, six three-pointers, and a victory.
The rookie is making a compelling case for this week’s EST Excellence — Western Conference recognition.
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