Warriors Rally Past Grizzlies Behind Yaxel Lendeborg's Championship Performance
Mike Goodpaster Published 21/07/2026
The 2026 NBA Summer League ended with an exciting championship game as the Golden State Warriors rallied from a double-digit deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 94-90 in Las Vegas. The victory secured the franchise's second Summer League title and capped off a tournament that showcased several promising young talents preparing for the next stage of their professional careers.
The final day also produced one of the most talked-about stories in recent NBA News, with lottery picks Yaxel Lendeborg and Cameron Boozer leading their respective teams in a highly anticipated rematch. After Memphis dominated the first meeting between the two clubs earlier in the tournament, Golden State responded when it mattered most by delivering a composed performance in the championship game.
Key Takeaways
The Golden State Warriors secured their second NBA Summer League title by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 94-90 in a championship game comeback led by MVP Yaxel Lendeborg.
- Yaxel Lendeborg was named Championship Game MVP, scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds, including nine crucial points in the fourth quarter to fuel the Warriors' comeback.
- The Warriors' victory was a balanced team effort, with contributions from multiple players like Deivon Smith and Will Richard, highlighting consistent play and unselfishness throughout the tournament.
- Despite the loss, the Memphis Grizzlies showcased promising young talent, notably Cameron Boozer and Cedric Coward, who demonstrated poise and skill, indicating potential for their future careers.
Lendeborg Leads Warriors' Comeback
Lendeborg proved why Golden State invested the 11th overall pick in him by producing 21 points and 10 rebounds while earning Championship Game MVP honors. He scored nine of his points in the fourth quarter, helping erase a 12-point deficit and shifting the momentum in the Warriors' favor during the closing minutes.
Beyond his scoring, Lendeborg also made an impact defensively by forcing difficult shots and controlling the glass. His all-around play reflected the consistency he displayed throughout Summer League, where he averaged 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists while showing he can contribute in multiple areas of the game.
His championship performance also highlighted the versatility that made him one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft. Whether initiating offense, finishing around the basket or defending multiple positions, Lendeborg consistently made winning plays and looked comfortable in high-pressure moments. If he carries that level of confidence into training camp, he could compete for meaningful minutes as the Warriors continue developing their young core.
Warriors Receive Contributions Across the Roster
Golden State's championship was not built on one player alone. Deivon Smith matched Lendeborg with 21 points while adding nine rebounds off the bench, providing valuable energy whenever the Warriors needed a spark.
Will Richard also delivered timely offense by scoring 13 points and knocking down three three-pointers. His efficient shooting and patience without the ball helped stretch Memphis' defense, while the Warriors' rebounding advantage and interior scoring ultimately proved to be the difference in the closing stages of the game.
A balanced team effort was one of the biggest reasons behind the Warriors' title run. Multiple players contributed on both ends of the floor by creating extra possessions, making timely defensive stops, and keeping the ball moving to generate quality scoring opportunities. That unselfish approach helped the Warriors stay composed during Memphis' late rally and ultimately secure the Summer League championship.
Memphis's Young Core Shows Promise
Although Memphis fell short in the championship, Cameron Boozer continued to strengthen his reputation as one of the rising stars in the NBA pipeline. The No. 3 overall pick finished with 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists, keeping the Grizzlies within striking distance until the final minute with several key baskets late in the fourth quarter.
Cedric Coward also capped off an impressive Summer League by recording 19 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists while making all 5 of his attempts from beyond the arc. As one of the more experienced players on Memphis' roster, he provided leadership alongside Boozer and gave the coaching staff another encouraging performance heading toward training camp.
While Summer League success does not always translate directly to the regular season, it often offers teams an early look at player development under competitive conditions. This year's tournament featured several rising stars in the NBA who demonstrated poise, versatility and the ability to perform in pressure situations, making the final day one of the most memorable storylines in recent NBA News.