Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe helped his team to a 111-97 Game 2 upset of the Boston Celtics at the TD Garden on Tuesday. The high-leaping guard dropped a team-high 30 points, including a dagger 3-pointer that extended Philly’s lead to 105-92 with 3:09 remaining.
After Edgecombe hit the crucial shot, he gave the camera a wink as he jogged back to play defense.
The 76ers, who were badly outplayed in Game 1, needed a big game from VJ Edgecombe to bounce back. He delivered a scorching hot performance in leading the visitors to a series-tying win inside the Celtics’ raucous building.
The NBA tweeted the significance of Edgecombe’s dazzling display:
“VJ Edgecombe is the youngest player in NBA history to record 30+ points and 10+ rebounds in a playoff game. He is also just the second player to do so at age 20 or younger, joining Magic Johnson.”
Without Joel Embiid, following an appendectomy just before the regular season ended, Edgecombe’s impact was expected to be Philly’s X-factor in the series. In the Game 1 loss, the 20-year-old guard struggled with 13 points on 6-for-16 shooting. He also added three rebounds and three assists, but committed two turnovers.
VJ Edgecombe redeemed himself in Game 2 by putting on a show, easily the best in his young career.
The former Baylor star reminded Celtics fans of what he is capable of following his outstanding performance in Game 2. In the 76ers’ season-opening game in late October, the rookie dumped 34 points on the Celtics.
76ers are 2-0 Against Celtics When VJ Edgecombe Scores 30+ Points
The Boston Celtics got their first look at VJ Edgecombe when they hosted the Philadelphia 76ers in the season-opening game for both teams. Despite the hype, the home team was unprepared for the uber-athletic and poised guard, who tallied 34 points, seven rebounds and three assists.
Edgecombe’s impressive NBA debut led the 76ers to a pulsating 117-116 win.
Roughly six months later, the 76ers pulled off another upset against the Celtics on the road because of their rookie’s incredible play. Philly dominated Boston behind Edgecombe’s 30 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals in 35 minutes.
The 76ers are now 2-0 this season against the Celtics when the No. 3 pick of last year’s draft scores 30 or more points.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball and college baseball.
