Lendeborg rallies Warriors to Las Vegas Summer League title with late comeback
Mason Lendeborg scored 21 and grabbed 10 rebounds to earn game MVP as Golden State rallied past Memphis to capture the Las Vegas Summer League title in a dramatic finish.
Lendeborg seals comeback in final minutes
Lendeborg buried a go-ahead three with just over two minutes remaining to put Golden State in front for the first time since midway through the third quarter. He followed that with a midrange pull up on the next possession that forced Memphis to call timeout and shifted momentum decisively toward the Warriors.
The No. 11 overall pick fresh off an NCAA championship provided the steady finish Golden State needed in the Las Vegas Summer League final. His late defensive rebound after a missed Memphis three preserved the lead and clinched possession in the closing seconds.
Stat line and MVP recognition
Lendeborg finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds and was named the Summer League championship game MVP for his performance. Off the bench Deivon Smith also delivered, adding 21 points and nine rebounds to give Golden State balanced offense and second chance opportunities.
Memphis got solid contributions from its rookies as well with Cameron Boozer and Cedric Coward scoring 19 points each and combining for 14 rebounds. Canadian prospect Oliver Maxence Prosper chipped in with eight points three rebounds and two assists in support.
Momentum swing in the third quarter
Memphis took control late in the third thanks to a nine to zero run capped by a step back three from Boozer the No. 3 overall selection. The sequence turned a nip and tuck contest into a double digit advantage and had the Grizzlies looking to close the game out in the fourth quarter.
Boozer then added another three after a missed Golden State attempt by Will Richard to push Memphis to a then game high lead. The Grizzlies opened the fourth with a driving layup by Jahmai Mashack that extended the margin and appeared to hand them the edge.
Golden State dominated the glass
Despite trailing for much of the second half Golden State controlled the offensive glass and turned rebounds into second chance points. Those possessions gradually chipped away at the Grizzlies cushion and created more scoring opportunities for Lendeborg and Smith.
The rebounding advantage proved decisive late as Golden State secured crucial boards in the final minute to manage the clock and limit Memphis transition chances. That physical presence on the glass balanced the Warriors scoring and helped fuel the comeback.
Key plays and tactical adjustments
The Warriors adjusted defensively in the fourth quarter to contest perimeter shots and force Memphis into tougher looks. Lendeborg capitalized by attacking midrange gaps while teammates rotated to cut off driving lanes and force contested attempts.
Memphis had success earlier by attacking off screens and spacing the floor for Boozer to operate from deep. The Grizzlies’ perimeter accuracy kept the game close throughout but the late surge by Golden State exposed depth and execution gaps that Memphis could not overcome.
Rookie development under the spotlight
The Las Vegas Summer League final doubled as a showcase for young talent from both organizations. Lendeborg’s composure in pressure moments reinforced his draft stock and highlighted why he was a top selection coming out of Michigan.
For Memphis the performances by Boozer Coward Mashack and Prosper offered optimism about the franchise’s young core. Each player showed flashes of NBA readiness while also revealing specific areas to refine during the upcoming training camp.
Golden State leaves the tournament with a championship and a clear set of positives to build on. Memphis departs with a number of encouraging individual performances but will return to development plans aimed at converting those flashes into consistent production.
The Las Vegas Summer League final will be remembered for Lendeborg’s late shooting and physical rebounding and for a pair of lottery picks battling through multiple lead changes. The result provides both teams with tangible takeaways as they prepare for the regular season and ongoing player development.
