VJ Edgecombe delivered a spectacular NBA debut, scoring 34 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 117-116 victory over the Boston Celtics. His performance set a new franchise record and placed him third all-time in scoring for a rookie’s first game.
On Wednesday night, October 22, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston, the Philadelphia 76ers opened their season against the Celtics. Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, immediately made his presence felt with an explosive start. He scored 14 points in the first quarter alone, setting a new record for the most points by a player in his first NBA quarter, surpassing LeBron James’ previous mark.
Edgecombe’s 34 points are the third-highest in NBA history for a debut, behind only Wilt Chamberlain’s 43 in 1959 and Frank Selvy’s 35 in 1954. Additionally, he broke Allen Iverson’s Philadelphia 76ers record of 30 points in a debut set in 1996. His all-around performance included 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal, showcasing his versatility.
While Edgecombe shined, teammate Tyrese Maxey contributed a game-high 40 points, and together they led a fourth-quarter comeback from a 13-point deficit. The duo’s 74 combined points tied for the second-most by a pair in a season opener in NBA history, highlighting the team’s offensive firepower.
After the game, Edgecombe expressed awe at his achievement, saying, “I worked every day, and all my life, for moments like this. This is my dream.” Coach Nick Nurse praised his composure, noting, “That’s an amazing first-game performance. It really is.” Teammates, including Dominick Barlow, highlighted his calm demeanor under pressure.
Despite his stellar play, Edgecombe showed nerves by missing two free throws in the final seconds, but the Sixers secured the win with a defensive stop. This minor flaw did not detract from an otherwise flawless debut that has fans and analysts excited about his potential.
A native of the Bahamas and the Big 12 Rookie of the Year at Baylor, Edgecombe’s debut signals a promising start to his career. His ability to perform on a big stage suggests he could be a key player for the 76ers moving forward, adding depth to a team with playoff aspirations.
This historic debut not only cements Edgecombe’s place in NBA lore but also boosts the 76ers’ prospects for the season, showcasing their depth and potential in a competitive Eastern Conference. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Edgecombe to see if he can maintain this level of performance and help lead Philadelphia to success.