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VJ Edgecombe is becoming a sharpshooter in Philly
The NBA world started suggesting it was time for the Boston Celtics to get their brooms ready after a blowout Game 1 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Then, the rookie VJ Edgecombe came back with vengeance in Game 2.
Former Celtics star Isaiah Thomas was one of many analysts stating that the Celtics would handle the Sixers with ease. He claimed that a 4-0 sweep was on the horizon.
Clearly, the 76ers had other plans. After Tuesday night’s Game 2 battle, Thomas gave Edgecombe his credit.
“He really held the fort down,” said the former Celtics star.
“He hit them in the face first, and he led the group. Obviously, Maxey took control in the fourth quarter, especially the last five or six minutes. VJ, he didn’t look like a rookie tonight. Game 1, he looked like a rookie where the moment was really big for him. Tonight, he was the lead dog of the group, and everybody followed him.”
VJ Edgecombe And The Sixers Knot The Series
GettyDALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 01: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 01, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Sam Hodde/Getty Images)
In Game 1, Edgecombe debuted with 34 minutes of playing time. The third-overall pick shot just 37.5% from the field to score 13 points. He missed every shot from three (0-5). Edgecombe had three rebounds, three assists, and two steals. The 76ers lost 123-91.
Edgecombe didn’t go tail-tucking in Game 2. With a little encouragement from his veteran teammates, the rookie was a difference-maker for Philadelphia in Game 2.
In 35 minutes, Edgecombe went 12-20 from the field and knocked down 6-10 shots from three. The former Baylor star produced 30 points in just his second playoff game ever. It was a record-breaking night for the Sixers rookie, and the NBA saw multiple accomplishments that haven’t been seen since even before the 37-year-old Thomas was playing.
76ers-Celtics Gets Interesting
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 17: VJ Edgecombe #77 talks to Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during a game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Minnesota Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 17, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
There won’t be any panic from Boston. At the end of the day, they are the second-seed in the series, and they have an incredibly successful history against the Sixers in the playoffs.
Still, the Sixers gave them a reason to remain cautious. Without Joel Embiid on the court, the 76ers don’t pose as much of a threat, but Edgecombe is proving to be the real deal. Suddenly, the series is getting interesting as it heads back to Philadelphia for Games 4 and 5.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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