BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a basket in the third quarter of the game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on October 22, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
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On a night where over 20 NBA franchises began their 2025-2026 regular season campaigns, a top-three rookie draft selection made NBA history in his first professional basketball game.
Philadelphia 76ers guard VJ Edgecombe scored the most points in an NBA debut this century by posting a whopping 34 points in the team’s 117-116 victory against the Boston Celtics on opening night. Edgecombe’s historic performance positioned him third behind Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlin and Frank Selvy for most points scored in a rookie’s first NBA game.
The 22-year-old also made Sixers’ history, surpassing Sixers’ great Allen Iverson for most points in an NBA debut with the franchise.
Philly’s 2025 third overall selection made history early on by posting fourteen first quarter points, the most in an opening frame by an NBA rookie since Lebron James in 2003. Edgecombe took more of a backseat in the second quarter as fellow backcourt mate Tyrese Maxey began heating up before reinserting his presence once again with a strong second-half showing.
Down the stretch in the fourth quarter, the Baylor Bears product scored nine key points to help complete a Sixers rally after they had fallen behind by double-digits in the third. He showcased his versatility during that stretch with a three-pointer, a drive to the basket and a fall-away paint shot before helping ice the game at the line with two clutch free-throws.
Edgecombe’s outing wasn’t devoid of miscues, however. The rookie’s final two free throws missed the mark with his team only up one which opened the door for the Celtics to win at the buzzer. Fortunately, Boston’s Payton Pritchard missed it slightly wide from the left corner to help the Sixers escape with a win.
Edgecombe’s early-season production has been made possible by the opportunity he has been given to compete for immediate playing time due to the injuries of fellow guards Paul George and Jared McCain. The rookie took advantage with a strong preseason which paved the way for head coach Nick Nurse to reward him with the starting shooting guard position opposite point guard Tyrese Maxey.
It wasn’t all just scoring from the young shooting guard either. The third overall pick accumulated seven rebounds, three assists, one steal, only two turnovers and just one foul in forty-two minutes of action.
In a season that’s super focused on what top overall pick Cooper Flagg can potentially do, Edgecombe made an early case on why he should be part of The Rookie of the Year conversation.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/kambuibomani/2025/10/23/vj-edgecombe-posts-historic-numbers-in-his-nba-debut/
