The Golden State Warriors overcame a 25-point first-half deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 112-95 in the NBA Cup group stage opener on October 31, 2026, at Chase Center. Luka Dončić erupted for 37 points, seven rebounds, five assists, two blocks and a steal, while Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg struggled mightily after pre-game trash talk directed at the Lakers superstar.
Lendeborg, who had called Dončić a "flopping crybaby" following the teams' season opener, finished with six points, one rebound, zero assists and five turnovers in 24 minutes before fouling out. He posted a game-low minus-20 plus-minus. After the game, Lendeborg admitted he would "try not to wet the bed as bad as I did" next time.
Dončić set the tone early, scoring 21 points in the first quarter alone — outscoring the entire Warriors team in the period — as Los Angeles built a commanding lead. The Lakers led by 25 at halftime before Golden State's second-half surge.
Stephen Curry led the comeback with 31 points, including eight three-pointers, and passed Dominique Wilkins for 18th on the NBA's all-time scoring list. Brandin Podziemski added 21 points, six assists and five rebounds, while De'Anthony Melton and Georges Niang combined for 27 points and seven three-pointers. Draymond Green took over defensive duties on Dončić and dished out nine assists. The Warriors' bench outscored Los Angeles' reserves 50-7, and Golden State held the Lakers to just 57 points over the final three quarters to complete a 42-point turnaround.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasized the team-oriented lesson after the game, recalling his message to Lendeborg following the opener: "He did a good job on Luka one-on-one, but we got torched by Luka as a team... It's our defense." Lendeborg acknowledged his teammates' support, saying, "Them boys had my back today... I feel like I was the only Debbie downer on the team."
