Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe delivered a debut for the ages, scoring 34 points against the Boston Celtics, a performance unmatched by any NBA player in their first game since Wilt Chamberlain. This remarkable display not only powered the 76ers to a 117-116 season-opening victory but also instantly catapulted Edgecombe into the league’s historical record books, setting a high bar for what fans can expect from this exciting new talent.
The Philadelphia 76ers‘ season opener on Wednesday night was more than just a thrilling victory over bitter rivals, the Boston Celtics; it was the coronation of a new star. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe exploded onto the NBA scene, dropping an astonishing 34 points in his first professional game, leading the Sixers to a dramatic 117-116 comeback win at TD Garden.
This wasn’t just any great rookie performance; it was historic. Edgecombe’s 34 points marked the most by any player in their NBA debut since the legendary Wilt Chamberlain tallied 43 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959. Only Frank Selvy, with 35 points in 1954, has ever scored more in a debut game than Edgecombe.
A Dream Realized: Edgecombe’s Journey to the NBA Record Books
For VJ Edgecombe, a native of the Bahamas who was the Big 12 Rookie of the Year in his lone season at Baylor, this explosive start was a lifelong ambition. “I worked every day, and all my life, for moments like this. This is my dream,” he shared, reflecting on his incredible debut.
His sentiments highlighted the profound significance of the moment: “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.”
Edgecombe’s performance immediately drew comparisons to some of the league’s all-time greats:
- His 34 points placed him third all-time for an NBA debut, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 43 points in 1959 (who also grabbed 28 rebounds) and Frank Selvy’s 35 points in 1954. Details on Chamberlain’s legendary career can be found at Basketball-Reference.com.
- He surpassed Allen Iverson’s 76ers franchise record of 30 points in a debut, set in 1996.
- Edgecombe’s 14 first-quarter points also set a new record for a player’s first NBA quarter, topping the mark previously held by LeBron James from 2003. Official NBA statistics for LeBron James’s career can be reviewed on NBA.com.
Sixers coach Nick Nurse praised the rookie’s composure. “That’s an amazing first-game performance. It really is,” Nurse stated. “That’s a neat list to get on.”
Beyond the Points: Impactful Play and Clutch Moments
Edgecombe’s night was not just about scoring; it was about efficiency and impact. He shot 13 of 26 from the field and 5 for 13 from beyond the arc. His stat line was rounded out with seven rebounds, three assists, and a crucial steal.
He demonstrated his offensive prowess early, scoring 10 consecutive 76ers points in the first quarter. More impressively, he delivered nine points in the fourth quarter, orchestrating Philadelphia’s comeback from a 13-point deficit to secure the season-opening victory.
Praise from Teammates and the Pursuit of Longevity
Teammates were quick to commend Edgecombe’s poise. Sixers forward Dominick Barlow, who himself had a modest two-point debut, marveled at the rookie’s demeanor. “He was just so composed and so calm. You don’t see it,” said Barlow, who was a teammate of 2023 No. 1 overall pick Victor Wembanyama with the Spurs. “That was special, to see how (Edgecombe) carries himself.”
All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey echoed the praise: “He played really well. He was really comfortable. He was really confident. Extremely confident.” However, Maxey, ever the veteran, couldn’t resist a good-natured jab at Edgecombe for missing two free throws late in the game, shouting across the locker room: “Hey, (No.) 77. You definitely a little nervous at the free-throw line.”
Despite the immediate acclaim, Edgecombe remains focused on the long game. When his name was mentioned alongside LeBron James for the first-quarter scoring record, he humbly stated, “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 debut sets a thrilling tone for the 76ers season and positions him as a rookie to watch. Fans will undoubtedly be tracking his progress closely, hoping this historic start is just the first chapter in a long and illustrious NBA career.
