Sixers rookie Edgecombe delivers landmark 34-point debut in win over Celtics
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PHILADELPHIA — Third overall pick VJ Edgecombe opened his NBA career with 34 points on Wednesday night, the most by a rookie in a debut since Wilt Chamberlain and the league’s third-highest mark all-time for a first game. The guard added seven rebounds, three assists and five three-pointers as the 76ers edged the Celtics.
Edgecombe poured in 14 points in the first quarter and appeared poised throughout, head coach Nick Nurse said. “You just don’t see him making many mistakes,” Nurse noted. “He’s got a very good feel for the game.” The rookie’s lone stumble came at the foul line, where he missed two free throws with 7.3 seconds left and Philadelphia up one, but Boston failed to capitalize.
Before Edgecombe’s debut, veteran guard Tyrese Maxey spoke about assuming a leadership role. “I used to always smile, but I know that I can’t be that guy anymore,” he said, adding that Edgecombe and fellow youngster Jared McCain should “have fun and just focus on playing basketball.” Maxey backed up those words by scoring 40 points on 24 shots with six assists and only one turnover in the opener.
Joel Embiid, adjusting to a minutes restriction after recent injuries, finished with four points on 1-for-9 shooting in 20 minutes. “We’ve got to release [our] athletes,” Embiid said of pushing the pace. “If we get early baskets, I won’t have to run up and down as much.” Nurse confirmed the restriction before tip-off.
Two-way forward Dominick Barlow started alongside Embiid and produced 13 points, eight rebounds, five assists and a block in 34 minutes. His continued progress has observers predicting a conversion to a standard contract later this season.
The victory moved Philadelphia to 1-0 to open the 2025-26 campaign.
Source: Hoops Rumors
