V.J. Edgecombe didn’t just debut — he took over Boston and announced himself to the league.
Anyone doubting rookie guard V.J. Edgecombe can file that under “handled.” In his first NBA game, the third-overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers erupted for 34 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, powering Philadelphia to a 117–116 win over the Boston Celtics in their season opener.
A debut for the record books
Edgecombe’s debut wasn’t just impressive — it was historic. His 34 points set a new franchise record for most points scored by a rookie in his first game, breaking Allen Iverson’s mark of 30. It also ranked as the third-highest scoring debut in NBA history, behind only Wilt Chamberlain (43) and Frank Selvy (35).
On a night built for nerves, the 19-year-old from the Bahamas looked completely unbothered.
Fearless from the jump
From his first possession, Edgecombe played like he’d been there before. He scored 11 of the Sixers’ first 20 points, carrying the offense while veterans found their footing.
He sliced through defenders, hit step-backs with confidence, and attacked the rim like a player who knew the spotlight was his. Every bucket felt like a statement. Even Boston’s crowd — one of the league’s loudest — couldn’t shake him.
He added seven rebounds and three assists, flashing the versatility that made him such a hot draft prospect. For a rookie guard to own the floor like that in TD Garden? That’s not luck. That’s composure.
Built for this
Edgecombe’s rise didn’t come out of nowhere. After a standout freshman season at Baylor — where he averaged 15.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals — he earned a reputation as a fearless scorer with elite athleticism.
In the NBA Summer League, he dropped 28 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in his first game, fueling hype that he could contribute immediately.
Even so, some analysts told fans to stay patient — that he’d need time to adjust. But Edgecombe had other plans.
The real deal
- Instant impact: 34 points in your first NBA game isn’t an accident.
- Record-setting: Surpassing Iverson’s debut is a headline in itself.
- Two-way flashes: His rebounding and playmaking were just as impressive.
- Composure: Doing it in Boston says everything about his mindset.
The road ahead
Of course, it’s one game. The NBA season is long, and Edgecombe still has areas to polish — particularly his three-point consistency and defensive reads.
But it’s impossible to ignore what we just saw. The 76ers didn’t just draft potential; they drafted presence. In one night, V.J. Edgecombe turned curiosity into conviction.
He didn’t sneak into the league — he kicked down the door. And now, Philly has a new star to believe in.
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