flag
back Back
Actually, Yaxel Lendeborg can keep talking

Two weeks ago, I wrote about how Golden State Warriors forward Yaxel Lendeborg was doing too much talking for a rookie. It felt appropriate at the time. He was coming off a 12-point NBA debut where his mouth seemed to ignite Luka Doncic in Golden State's 22-point loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

It was simple for me. If you don't have the game to match the energy of your words, keep those words to yourself.

Since then, however, it’s come to my attention Lendeborg does, in fact, have the game. After dropping 37 points on the Clippers Sunday -- the most by a Warriors rookie since Steph Curry in 2010 -- he's averaging 22.3 points on 52/41/74 shooting splits through his first seven games. That includes four games of at least 26 points. He's also averaging 7.3 rebound and 3.7 assists.

Lendeborg does not appear to be your typical rookie. He's capable of putting the Warriors on his back in a way most first-year players aren't. His rapid ascension to Steph Curry sidekick has helped the team run off four straight wins to dig out of an 0-3 hole.

My bad, big dog. Keep talking that talk.

If this seems a little soon for a change of heart, it might be. But the truth is I never doubted Lendeborg's ability to be a good player. We saw what he was capable of in March when he led Michigan to a national title -- and at 24, he's already older than players like Paolo Banchero and Victor Wembanyama, all-stars who have been in the league for years.

I just didn't think he'd be this good this soon. Thus why it seemed reasonable for him to pipe it down until he figured things out.

But when you can drop 31 against Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets in your fourth career game, then follow that with 37 on 13-of-19 shooting with six three-pointers a few nights later, talk all you want. Those are the type of performances that make the rest of us shut up.

Chiefs false start penalty in question

The Chiefs couldn't reach the end zone on their second attempt at a game-winning touchdown on the final play.

The Kansas City Chiefs blew a 24-13 fourth-quarter lead to lose to the Denver Broncos on Sunday, but they nearly saved the win with a final-second touchdown that was wiped out by a false start penalty.

Did right tackle Jaylon Moore actually jump. I think he very clearly flinched, but some on the KC side are questioning the penalty, including Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, and Brittany Mahomes on social media.

Quick hits: FSU candidates ... Kyler Murray's "injury" ... and more

You may like

Preview: Suns Have Questions, Need Answers vs Warriors

si.com 19 minutes ago

Miami Heat vs Los Angeles Lakers: The Giannis and Luka History

si.com 9 minutes ago

Has Fred VanVleet Secured His Spot as Rockets’ Starting Point Guard?

si.com 52 minutes ago

NBA Power Rankings: Rockets are legit, Knicks are hungover

fansided.com 29 minutes ago

Three Storylines I am Watching Closely in Tonight's Hawks-Pacers Showdown

si.com 1 hour ago

Cleveland Cavaliers Could Have a Major Advantage Against the Thunder for One Big Reason

si.com 10 minutes ago