The Golden State Warriors sent a resounding message in Las Vegas, showcasing their exciting young talent with a dominant 104-79 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder at the 2026 NBA Summer League.
Key Points:
- The Warriors improve to a perfect 2-0 record in Summer League play.
- First-round pick Yaxel Lendeborg ignited the offense with 14 points and a strong all-around performance.
- Golden State displayed impressive depth, with six players reaching double-digit scoring.
- The Thunder struggled to find their rhythm, falling to 0-2 despite solid efforts from Bennett Stirtz and Aday Mara.
Rookies Ignite Golden State's Offensive Explosion
Golden State’s investment in the 2026 NBA Draft class is already paying dividends. Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 overall pick, led the charge against the Thunder. He poured in 14 points, adding two rebounds, four assists, and three steals, demonstrating his two-way potential as a crucial piece for the Warriors.
Beyond Lendeborg, the Warriors showcased a truly balanced attack. Rookies Nick Boyd and Lachlan Olbrich each matched Lendeborg's 14 points, while Graham Ike chipped in 11 points and eight rebounds. Bench sparks came from Lajae Jones and Chance McMillian, who both added 10 points apiece, underscoring the team's impressive depth.
Defensive Clinic Fuels Fast Break Prowess
It wasn't just scoring that defined Golden State's dominant performance. The Warriors stifled the Thunder offense, leading to a massive 19-6 advantage in fast-break points. Their aggressive defense also generated 10 steals compared to Oklahoma City's meager three, transforming turnovers into easy buckets.
The team's strong start saw them establish a 27-16 lead after the first quarter and maintain control, heading into halftime up 53-38. They closed out the contest with a 31-point fourth quarter, proving their ability to finish strong. Even with 36.6% from beyond the arc, their comprehensive play shone through.
Thunder's Young Guns Search for Momentum
The Oklahoma City Thunder, now 0-2 in Summer League, faced an uphill battle. Despite the loss, individual talent still shone through. No. 16 overall pick Bennett Stirtz led the Thunder with 13 points on efficient 5-for-10 shooting.
Fellow first-rounder Aday Mara, selected No. 12 overall, contributed a strong 10 points, nine rebounds, and four assists, showcasing his diverse skill set. Payton Sandfort also added 11 points off the bench, providing some much-needed offensive spark for Oklahoma City.
What's Next on the Summer League Hardwood?
Both teams will return to action on Tuesday. The undefeated Golden State Warriors (2-0) will face the Memphis Grizzlies at 7 PM ET on ESPN. Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder (0-2) will look to secure their first win against the Denver Nuggets at 9 PM ET on ESPN.
