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By Bryan Colbert Jr.
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Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is putting together one of the most impressive starts to an NBA career in more than three decades.
Through his first five games, Lendeborg is averaging 22.6 points, 9.2 rebounds and four assists, accomplishing something the league hasn't seen since Shaquille O'Neal entered the NBA in 1992.
According to NBA Communications, Lendeborg is the first player since O'Neal to average at least 20 points and nine rebounds through his first five career games.
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The historic milestone comes after another impressive performance Wednesday night, when Lendeborg scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in Golden State's 119-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The rookie shot 11-of-20 from the field, helping the Warriors secure their second consecutive victory after opening the season with three losses.
Lendeborg has steadily increased his production since making his NBA debut against the Los Angeles Lakers on Oct. 21.
After scoring 12 points in his first appearance, he followed with 18 against Memphis before recording three consecutive games with at least 25 points.
His best performance came Monday against the Denver Nuggets, when he finished with 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in a 134-114 victory. That performance made Lendeborg the first Warriors rookie since Stephen Curry in 2010 to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game.
His early production has also placed him alongside several legendary NBA big men.
Through four games, Lendeborg joined O'Neal, Patrick Ewing and David Robinson as the only players since the NBA introduced the draft lottery in 1985 to record at least 85 points and 35 rebounds in their first four career appearances.
The former Michigan standout was selected 11th overall in the 2026 NBA Draft and has quickly emerged as one of Golden State's most productive players.
While five games represent a small sample size, Lendeborg's ability to contribute as both a scorer and rebounder has given the Warriors an encouraging early return on their first-round selection.
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Golden State will look to build on its recent momentum Friday when it hosts the Lakers in its opening NBA Cup matchup.
For Lendeborg, the challenge will be maintaining the consistency that has already placed his name alongside some of basketball's greatest players.
It's far too early to predict where his career will lead, but the numbers from his first five games have already earned him a place in NBA history.
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