In an electrifying display of talent, VJ Edgecombe proved he is more than just a rookie on Wednesday night. The Philadelphia 76ers’ third overall pick dazzled fans and analysts alike during his first-ever NBA game, scoring an impressive 34 points, alongside seven rebounds, three assists, and a steal, leading his team to a narrow 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics.
Edgecombe's scoring total not only helped secure the win but also set a new franchise record for the most points scored by a rookie in their debut, surpassing the legendary Allen Iverson’s previous record of 30 points. His performance was particularly notable on a night when the first two picks of the 2025 NBA Draft made their debuts: Cooper Flagg for the Dallas Mavericks and Dylan Harper for the San Antonio Spurs. Instead, it was Edgecombe, the third pick, who stole the spotlight with his remarkable play.
After the game, an elated Edgecombe shared his feelings with reporters: "I worked every day, and all my life, for moments like this. This is my dream. I prayed for this. I always prayed to make it to the NBA and to stay in the NBA. Man, yeah, that was crazy. That surpassed my expectation, to be honest."
In addition to his scoring accolades, Edgecombe also broke a record held by LeBron James for the most points scored by a player in their first quarter, netting 14 points. Reacting to this milestone, Edgecombe expressed his admiration for the NBA superstar: "It feels good to have my name mentioned with LeBron. I must say, it's amazing. But hopefully, I'm going to have a long career ahead of me. That's what mattered most, man: longevity. Knowing LeBron has been there for 20-plus years. So I'm hoping I can do that one day."
Edgecombe's impact on the game went beyond just scoring. He exhibited exceptional defensive skills, made smart passes, and limited his turnovers to just two. With a shooting efficiency of 13-of-26 from the field and 5-of-13 from beyond the arc, he demonstrated that he wasn't merely accumulating stats; he played seamlessly within the flow of the game, contributing significantly to the Sixers’ hard-fought victory.
While there are still 81 games left in the season to determine the Rookie of the Year winner, Edgecombe's debut has certainly stirred the conversation, especially with Cooper Flagg initially seen as the frontrunner. One game into his NBA career, Edgecombe has positioned himself as a serious contender for the title.
The Philadelphia 76ers have faced their share of disappointments in recent years, particularly during the Joel Embiid era, which has yet to see the team advance past the second round of the playoffs. However, if Edgecombe can consistently replicate the potential he showcased on Wednesday night, combined with the talents of Tyrese Maxey, the future looks bright for the Sixers and their loyal fanbase.
