VJ Edgecombe Shines in Historic NBA Debut as Sixers Stun Celtics in Season Opener
The Boston crowd witnessed a commodity special on Wednesday night. The Philadelphia 76ers, against all odds, rallied from a 13-point deficit to edge past the Boston Celtics 117 – 116 in a dramatic launch to the 2025 – 26 NBA season.
While Tyrese Maxey stole plenitude of captions with a 40-point explosion, it was the novice, VJ Edgecombe, who turned heads and etched his name into league history.
The 19- time-old guard, picked third overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, delivered a stirring debut, 34 points, shooting 13 of 26 from the field, including five three-pointers, along with seven rebounds. It was n’t just a good game. It was a statement.
Edgecombe’s 34-point debut now stands as the third-loftiest scoring debut in NBA history. His 14-point first quarter? The most by a novitiate since LeBron James in 2003. The buzz around him has gone from hype to caption.
Highest scoring debuts in NBA history: VJ Edgecombe is now THIRD ALL-TIME after scoring 34 tonight for Philadelphia. Wilt Chamberlain of course ranks first. A historic debut for the newest Sixer. https://t.co/4UZCKgnjCN pic.twitter.com/XW27YdjPYW
— Kevin O’Connor (@KevinOConnor) October 23, 2025
“From a team standpoint, we got the win which matters the most,” Edgecombe said, smiling as he soaked in the post-game atmosphere. “Like I said, it’s gonna come. It’s basketball at the end of the day.
Like I’ve been saying. Just trying not to overthink it. I’ve been putting in the reps, been putting in the work. My teammates trust me. I trust my teammates. I was blessed to be in this position on the big stage. Blessed and perform.”
It was a grounded response from a player who just joined a conversation reserved for legends. Edgecombe’s composure matched his performance.
The Sixers locker room was buzzing, and rightfully so. They not only toppled one of the league’s strongest rosters but also witnessed the birth of a potential new star.
For Edgecombe, being mentioned alongside basketball royalty was surreal. Wilt Chamberlain. LeBron James. Names carved deep into the sport’s legacy. Now, the rookie finds himself brushing shoulders with them in the record books.
“It’s amazing,” he said, smiling again. “I must say. It’s amazing, but I mean, hopefully, I have a long career ahead of me. That’s what matters most. Longevity. Knowing Bron, who’s been here 20-plus years.
I’m hoping I can do that one day, but just putting in work. But it’s great having my name mentioned with LeBron’s name, but credit to Bron and credit to my teammates for passing me the ball.”
His modesty is as emotional as his gift, a combination that could serve him well as defenses start to strain and prospects rise.
This palm gives Philadelphia instigation beforehand in the season, but for Edgecombe, the challenge has only begun. Brigades will soon acclimatize, giving reports will be strained, and the honeymoon phase will end.
Still, if Wednesday night was any suggestion, he’s erected for it. Confident. Poised. Hungry.
The Sixers faithful will be hoping this is just the start of something special, a new chapter in the franchise’s journey, led by a rookie already making history.
As the spotlight grows, VJ Edgecombe isn’t just living up to expectations; he’s rewriting them.
