V.J. Edgecombe's Historic Debut Leads Sixers Over Celtics, 117-116

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BOSTON, MA — The Philadelphia 76ers opened their season last night with a dramatic 117-116 comeback victory over the Boston Celtics, but the victory was a footnote to the arrival of Sixers’ rookie, who immediately carved his name into the annals of NBA history. V.J. Edgecombe, the 3rd overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, delivered a phenomenal performance that challenged records set by the game’s greatest legends.

Most Points in a Debut Since 1959

Edgecombe, the electrifying guard out of the Bahamas, finished the night with 34 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists, becoming the third-highest scoring rookie in an NBA debut ever.

Wilt Territory: His 34 points are the most by any rookie in their debut since Wilt Chamberlain scored 43 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959. The only other player to debut with more points was Frank Selvy in 1954.
Shattering Franchise Records: Edgecombe’s score also shattered the 76ers franchise record for most points in a rookie debut, eclipsing the 30-point mark set by Allen Iverson in 1996.
King’s Mark Falls: The rookie’s record-breaking started early when he scored 14 points in the first quarter, breaking the record for most points scored in the first quarter of an NBA debut, a mark previously held by LeBron James since 2003.

The Clutch Comeback

Edgecombe’s performance was essential as the Sixers had to battle back from a 13-point second-half deficit against a Celtics team playing without Jayson Tatum.

Maxey’s Co-Star: Edgecombe was the perfect complement to veteran guard Tyrese Maxey, who led all scorers with 40 points. The two combined for 74 points to power the Philadelphia offense.
Momentum Swings: The Sixers fell behind 94-84 early in the fourth quarter before their offense, sparked by Edgecombe’s scoring, erased the lead. The rookie hit several big three-pointers and clutch jumpers, showing the poise of a veteran.
The Final Miss: Despite the heroics, Edgecombe showed a brief moment of nerves, missing two free throws with 9.1 seconds left that would have essentially sealed the game. Fortunately, the Celtics failed to convert a final shot, allowing the Sixers to escape with the one-point win.

With his record-breaking debut, V.J. Edgecombe has immediately launched his Rookie of the Year campaign, proving his elite athleticism and confidence are ready for the NBA stage. The performance not only gave the 76ers a crucial rivalry win but also announced the arrival of a new, major scoring threat in the Eastern Conference.