76ers’ VJ Edgecombe breaks records held by LeBron James, Allen Iverson in incredible NBA debut vs. Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe got off to a historic start to his NBA career Wednesday night in his team’s 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics. Edgecombe finished with 34 points, seven rebounds and three assists to break records previously held by LeBron James and Allen Iverson.

Edgecombe, the third overall pick out of Baylor, broke a 22-year-old record set by James by scoring 14 points in the first quarter. James previously held the record for first-quarter points in an NBA debut when he scored 12 in 2003. And when Edgecombe scored his 31st and 32nd points with a bucket at 5:37 of the fourth quarter, he broke the 76ers franchise record for most points scored in an NBA debut, previously held by Iverson, who scored 30 in his first match in 1996.

Edgecombe’s 34 points were the most in an NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain set the all-time record with 43 in 1959. Edgecombe is now third all-time in points scored in his debut behind the 43 of Chamberlain and Frank Selvy, who scored 35 points in 1954.

The 76ers trailed by 11 points entering the fourth, but fell behind the efforts of Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, who combined for 74 points in the victory. However, it nearly fell apart when Edgecombe missed two free throws with 8.5 seconds left, giving Boston a chance to win. However, the Celtics failed to convert and the 76ers held on to earn a dramatic victory in their season opener.

Edgecombe got the start on opening night alongside Maxey in the backcourt with Kelly Oubre Jr., Dominick Barlow and Joel Embiid. Early returns from the 76ers’ new-look backcourt were promising. As Edgecombe broke records, Maxey also put in a remarkable performance scoring 40 points. This number tied Hal Greer for the most points scored in franchise history in the season opener. Embiid, meanwhile, had just four points in 20 minutes and was off the floor in the final minutes of the game.

Edgecombe, a blue-chip recruit in the 2024 recruiting cycle, saw his draft stock skyrocket during his first and only season at Baylor under Scott Drew. Edgecombe established himself as one of the most athletic players at the collegiate level and continued to improve throughout the season. The 76ers passed on Ace Bailey — who was later selected twice by the Utah Jazz — and instead drafted Edgecombe with the third selection.