The Philadelphia 76ers opened its 2025-26 regular season with an impressive 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics Oct. 22. Incredible offensive contributions from rookie guard VJ Edgecombe and veteran guard Tyrese Maxey propelled Philadelphia to their victory in TD Garden in the season opener.
Edgecombe was selected as the third overall pick by the Sixers in this year’s NBA draft out of Baylor University. Following the team’s worst season in recent history (24-58), the acquisition brought optimism to Philadelphia in regards to the development of the team’s young assets. The rookie had an immediate impact on the game as he tallied 14 points in the first quarter alone, surpassing Lebron James’ record for the most points scored in the first quarter in an NBA debut (12). Additionally, Edgecombe produced the most points scored in an NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlin’s 34 points in 1959, as well as the most points scored in a rookie’s Sixers debut, passing Allen Iverson’s franchise record of 30 set in 1996. He sustained this offensive momentum and finished the game with a statline of 34 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Edgecombe was the team’s second leading scorer of the night behind Tyrese Maxey (40).
The tremendous offensive showings of Edgecombe and Maxey exhibited their potential to be one of the best backcourts in the league this season. Maxey’s game-high 40 point performance, which included seven made 3-pointers, was an explosive way to open his sixth NBA season. The former All-Star’s versatile efforts on both ends of the court kept the Sixers in the game, even when Boston started to pull away with a lead in the second half. Whether he scored on a midrange jumpshot, fast paced play in transition or fought his way through Boston’s frontcourt, Maxey’s efficient scoring abilities were on full display against the Celtics.
Another standout performance came from Sixers forward Dominick Barlow. In his first starting role with the team, the two-way player made well-rounded contributions by securing important rebounds and showcasing extreme athleticism on both ends of the floor. Barlow finished the game with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Unfortunately, there were no positive takeaways regarding center Joel Embiid’s performance. In just 20 minutes of play, Embiid struggled to get into an offensive rhythm, contributing only four total points on 1-for-9 shooting against Boston’s frontcourt. Following his first regular season game played since Feb. 22, it is evident Embiid will need some time to become reacclimated to the fast-paced flow of the NBA.
