BOSTON — During a postgame press conference following Philadelphia’s 111-97 Game 2 victory over Boston, Paul George was praising his young teammate V.J. Edgecombe when he suddenly paused with a question.
“Are you 21 yet?” George asked, turning to face Edgecombe at the podium.
“No, 20,” Edgecombe replied with a grin.
The 76ers’ third overall draft selection from last June has entered exclusive territory in just his second playoff appearance, and his performance is no laughing matter.
“I just try not to overthink it,” Edgecombe explained. “I try not to put pressure on myself. Everybody’s already putting pressure on us to perform. … Plus, I’m around a great group of guys. That also helps me. Just keep instilling confidence in me. Just to keep going, keep going. Regardless of who’s on the floor, who’s not on the floor.”
The young star’s 30-point, 10-rebound showing made him the first rookie to achieve at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff contest since Tim Duncan accomplished the feat on May 5, 1998.
Edgecombe also etched his name in NBA record books as the first rookie ever to combine five three-pointers with 10 rebounds in a postseason game. The stellar outing represented a significant improvement from Game 1, where he managed only 13 points while shooting 6-of-16 from the field.
According to George, this performance represents the peak of talent they initially witnessed from the Bahamas-born player when he scored 34 points in his professional debut during Philadelphia’s narrow season-opening victory in Boston.
“When you think about it how he started his first NBA game in this building, I’m sure he was in a small percentage or small group of players that what he did on that opening night,” George commented.
That debut performance ranks as the third-highest scoring effort for any NBA player in their inaugural game. Wilt Chamberlain holds the record with 43 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959, also grabbing 28 rebounds against New York that evening. Frank Selvy scored 35 points for the Milwaukee Hawks versus Boston in 1954.
Edgecombe surpassed Allen Iverson’s franchise record of 30 points in a Sixers debut, set in 1996.
The rookie’s 14 first-quarter points on opening night also established a new NBA record for most points scored in a player’s initial quarter. LeBron James previously held that mark from 2003.
Throughout the regular season, Edgecombe maintained a 16.0 scoring average across 75 games.
His playing style carries a charismatic flair that echoes the entertaining approach Iverson brought during his Philadelphia years.
During Tuesday’s victory, after sinking his final shot of the evening — a long-range three-pointer over Payton Pritchard that extended Philadelphia’s lead to 105-92 following Boston’s rally to 91-89 — Edgecombe winked at the television camera while running back on defense.
George believes this is merely a preview of Edgecombe’s potential.
“To put a whole season together and get to a point where he’s showcasing who he is and his abilities. I’ve been saying all year long he’s far past a rookie,” George stated. “It’s just impressive, man. (Edgecombe had) 30 and 10, but it’s just what we needed in the moments throughout the game when he took over, and kind of just put us at ease.”
The evening wasn’t without challenges for Edgecombe, who suffered a hard fall onto his back early in the contest, causing him to limp to the locker room during both the first and third quarters.
However, Edgecombe dismissed any concerns about the injury affecting his availability for the remainder of the series.
“I just landed on my back, but I’m good. I was able to finish the game so I’m good,” he stated. “That’s all I’ve got for you. I’m good, ain’t nothing wrong with me. I’m good.”
