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Warriors Win 2024 NBA Summer League Title
Lendeborg's 21 points and 10 rebounds lead Golden State past Memphis 94-90 for second Vegas championship in dominant Summer League final.
How we reported this
Yaxel Lendeborg scored 21 points and collected 10 rebounds to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 94-90 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA summer league championship game on Sunday at UNLV's Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.
Lendeborg, the 11th pick in last month's draft, had already won an NCAA title with Michigan earlier in the year. He became only the second player to claim both a Division I national championship and the Vegas Summer League title in the same season, matching Davion Mitchell.
Fourth-Quarter Comeback Decides Outcome
The Warriors entered the final period trailing after Cameron Boozer hit a three-pointer late in the third quarter that gave Memphis its first double-digit lead. Lendeborg responded with three quick baskets that sparked a decisive run, while Deivon Smith added 21 points off the bench. Five Golden State players reached double figures in scoring as the team improved to 5-1.
Boozer, the third overall pick from Duke, finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists for the Grizzlies. Memphis had several opportunities in the closing minute but missed a potential game-winning three-pointer and turned the ball over on an inbounds pass.
Revenge and Future Roles
Lendeborg described the win as personal payback after his Michigan team lost to Boozer's Duke squad in February. He said he thinks about the matchup every time the two players meet. Warriors summer league coach Khalid Robinson noted that Lendeborg's size, skill set and competitive drive make him suited to a complementary role alongside veterans Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler next season.
Boozer, who is 19, guided Memphis to a 4-2 record despite the final loss and is expected to anchor the franchise's youth movement following trades of its previous all-stars. Lendeborg said he entered the program focused on proving he is a winner and emphasized that team play, not individual statistics, produces championships.