Yaxel Lendeborg understands the pressure he faces without Steph Curry.
The Warriors rookie questioned whether he could live up to the expectations, and reality set in Friday night against the Spurs. Lendeborg went 1-for-13 shooting in the 123-85 blowout loss.
“We just lost by like 100. So you know I’m fu–ed up mentally right now,” Lendeborg said postgame.
It was far from the 24-year-old’s best performance, but that shouldn’t outweigh his undeniably strong start to the season. Lendeborg averaged 21.7 points and 7.4 rebounds through his first 12 games.
He is considered an early favorite to win Rookie of the Year, but the Warriors forward has his sights set on earning an All-Star selection in his inaugural NBA season.
However, against Victor Wembanyama, Lendeborg and the Warriors couldn’t find the basket. Golden State went 10-of-42 shooting when the Spurs superstar was on the floor.
In light of Curry’s extended absence with an oblique injury, the Warriors have turned to Lendeborg to transform into a leader. The San Antonio loss was an early growing pain of the process, but it was a tough first game without Curry.
The Spurs are one of the premier teams in the West, giving Lendeborg and the Warriors a difficult transition into life without Curry for the next few weeks.
Golden State should fare better against the Pelicans on Monday.
