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Yaxel Lendeborg came into the NBA and wasted absolutely zero time making his presence felt. The Warriors rookie defended Luka Doncic in his professional debut and came away saying he lost all respect for the Lakers superstar after what he called an interesting first game. Bold words from a guy still unpacking his locker, but that's the kind of edge that gets you noticed fast.
Shifting to the pitch, Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid are rolling. Los Blancos knocked off RB Leipzig at the Santiago Bernabeu to go three wins from three in Champions League group play, climbing to fourth on the table. Mbappe made clear he's locked in and eager for the Barcelona clash, which tells you everything about where his head is right now.
And across the globe in Christchurch, India and New Zealand opened their five-match T20 series at Hagley Oval with genuine edge in the air. India captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl, his squad barely forty eight hours off the plane and already competing. The last time these sides met, India dismantled New Zealand by ninety six runs in the T20 World Cup final, and Santner's squad has not forgotten.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
