Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe delivered a historic performance in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Boston Celtics, recording 30 points and 10 rebounds while playing through pain after a hard fall early in the contest. His effort, combined with 29 points and nine assists from Tyrese Maxey, powered Philadelphia to a 111-97 victory on Tuesday night, evening the series at one game apiece.
Edgecombe’s 30-point, 10-rebound outing marked the first time a rookie has achieved that stat line in an NBA playoff game since Tim Duncan did so in 1998. According to ESPN, Edgecombe also became the youngest player in postseason history to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds, surpassing the previous record held by Magic Johnson.
The 76ers entered Game 2 without All-Star center Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined following an appendectomy on April 9 and is undergoing a strength and conditioning program. Philadelphia had suffered a 123-91 blowout loss in Game 1 at TD Garden, but responded with a balanced offensive effort in Game 2, shooting 47.8% from the field and making 19 of 39 three-point attempts.
“I’ve been saying it all year long: He’s far surpassed being a rookie,” said Paul George, who added 19 points for Philadelphia. “When you think about it, how he started his first NBA game here in this building, and I’m sure he was in a small percentage, or a small group of players that did what he did on opening night, and then to put a whole season together and get to this point where he’s showcasing who he is and his abilities… I mean, [Edgecombe has] been impressive all season long.”
Edgecombe connected on six of the 76ers’ 19 three-pointers and showed resilience throughout the game, leaving the court for treatment in both the first and third quarters after hard falls but returning each time to continue scoring. He helped Philadelphia build a 13-point lead in the third quarter before the Celtics mounted a brief rally.
Boston cut a seven-point deficit to 91-89 at the start of the fourth quarter before an 11-0 run by Philadelphia put the 76ers back in front 102-89 with just over four minutes remaining. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 36 points, while Jayson Tatum contributed 19 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists.
Maxey played a pivotal role in the victory, not only scoring 29 points but also dishing out nine assists. After struggling from the field in Game 1, Maxey and Edgecombe carried the offensive load for a team that needed improved production from its backcourt. The duo combined for 59 points, helping Philadelphia overcome the absence of Embiid.
The Celtics shot just 39.3% from the field and were 13 of 47 from three-point range, committing 13 turnovers that led to 16 points for Philadelphia. Boston pulled its starters with just over a minute remaining in the game.
With the series now tied 1-1, it shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday. The 76ers will look to build on their resilience and offensive execution as they attempt to gain home-court advantage in the best-of-seven matchup.
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