Going into Game 2 against the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe was motivated to bounce back.
In his first taste of NBA Playoff action, Edgecombe checked in for 34 minutes. He scored 13 points while shooting just 37.5% from the field.
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)
The Sixers took a beatdown with a 123-91 loss. There was a massive lack of confidence in the Sixers from outsiders, and they needed to make a statement in Game 2. Edgecombe got the message and delivered.
After his impressive Game 2 performance, Edgecombe landed major praise from his All-Star teammate, Tyrese Maxey.
Tyrese Maxey Makes Statement on VJ Edgecombe’s Game 2
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)
“We’ve been saying it all year, but you know what he showed tonight was maturity,” Maxey told reporters.
“Last game, a couple of times he missed those threes, and then he started driving, or he started cutting, and I told him, ‘Dude, you’re not gonna miss.’ So, whenever they are on the nail and I can swing it to you, you shoot it. I don’t care what the outcome is. If they help off you, you shoot the ball. They go under, you shoot the ball. Look, he did that. He can hoop, man.”
Edgecombe finished Game 2 with 30 points. The rookie guard shot 12-20 from the field, and he made six out of 10 shots from beyond the arc.
Along with his scoring, Edgecombe came down with 10 rebounds to secure his first playoff double-double. He made NBA history and accomplished a feat that hasn’t been touched since Tim Duncan was a rookie in the NBA.
What’s Next For The 76ers?
GettyBOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 22: VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball over Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter of a game 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)
The Sixers are going back home to South Philly. After splitting the series 1-1 on the road in Boston, the two teams will meet on Friday, April 24, for Game 3.
Although the seventh-seeded Sixers entered the series with low expectations from outsiders, Edgecombe certainly helped make the series interesting as the 76ers defeated Boston with a score of 111-97.