Edgecombe scores most points in NBA debut since Wilt as 76ers top Celtics
VJ Edgecombe stole the show Wednesday at TD Garden, dropping 34 points in the Philadelphia 76ers' 117-116 season-opening victory over the Boston Celtics.
The rookie guard scored the third-most points by a player in their NBA debut.
| Rank | Player | Points | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wilt Chamberlain | 43 | 1959 |
| 2 | Frank Selvy | 35 | 1954 |
| 3 | VJ Edgecombe | 34 | 2025 |
| 4 | John Drew | 32 | 1974 |
| 4 | Maurice Stokes | 32 | 1955 |
Edgecombe shot 13-of-26 from the field - including 5-of-13 from deep - and 3-of-6 from the charity stripe.
The Baylor product tallied 14 points in the opening frame, surpassing LeBron James for the most points in the first quarter of a debut.
Edgecombe also broke Allen Iverson's franchise record for points (30) in their maiden NBA contest.
VJ EDGECOMBE JUST HAD THE MOST POINTS IN AN NBA DEBUT SINCE WILT CHAMBERLAIN 🚨🚨🚨
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2025
34 for the #3 pick... 3rd highest-scoring debut ever in the @sixers win! pic.twitter.com/xwjvqMZcsH
Edgecombe rounded out his stat line with seven boards, three assists, and one steal.
Backcourt mate Tyrese Maxey added 40 points and six assists in the winning effort.