Ladies and gentlemen, we are back! The Philadelphia 76ers opened their 2025-2026 season campaign vs. an all-too-familiar foe, the Boston Celtics.
This matchup would look a bit different than what we are accustomed to. The Celtics will likely be without the face of their franchise, Jayson Tatum, for the duration of this season, due to a torn Achilles. Offseason trades saw the Celtics send out former All-Stars Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis to the Portland Trail Blazers and Atlanta Hawks, respectively,
while Celtics legend Al Horford has traveled west and joined forces with the Golden State Warriors.
The return of this NBA season also means the long-awaited return of Joel Embiid, who missed most of last season with a recurrent knee injury. The Sixers would come into this opening season matchup without the services of Paul George, Jared McCain and Trendon Watford, all of whom are recovering from different physical ailments and are expected back in the lineup within the coming weeks.
Now for the game.
The season would start for the Sixers with a Kelly Oubre three-pointer on the Sixers’ first offensive possession, coming via an assist from VJ Edgecombe. Edgecombe was just getting started as the Sixers’ third overall pick got off to a roaring start. Edgecombe threw down two monster dunks and knocked down three from beyond the arc en route to 14 first-quarter points to lead all scorers. The first quarter was a back-and-forth affair that would conclude with the Celtics holding onto a 28-26 advantage.
The second quarter was all about Tyrese Maxey. After just three points in the opening frame, the Sixers All-Star guard went off for 19 points in the second quarter to end the half pacing all scorers with 22. On the back of Maxey’s big quarter, the Sixers took a 57-51 lead at the intermission.
The Celtics completely turned the tide in the third quarter as the Sixers were called for 11 fouls in the period. The Celtics knocked down 15-for-17 from the foul line to take an 86-75 lead after three quarters of play.
The Sixers refused to go quietly as Maxey and Edgecombe continued their fantastic play throughout the fourth quarter. A timely three by Oubre would give the Sixers a lead late in the fourth quarter. After two missed free throws by Edgecombe with 7.8 seconds remaining, the Celtics had two shots to win it that both missed the mark. The Sixers held on for a thrilling 117-116 opening night win, behind a 42-point fourth-quarter explosion.
Time for the Bell Ringer.
VJ Edgecombe: 34 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 13-of-26 from the field, 5-of-13 from three
Welcome to Philadelphia, VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers rookie sensation did not look like your typical rookie in his first NBA game. Edgecombe’s 14 first-quarter points were the most points ever by a rookie in the first quarter of their NBA debut. VJ was just getting started as he would finish the game with 34 points, the most by a rookie in a debut since Wilt Chamberlain in 1959 (It’s always Wilt). Edgecombe threw down multiple monster dunks and was a nightmare to contain in transition, which has been a calling card of his game both at Baylor and dating back to his high school days. Edgecombe also displayed his defensive prowess, flying around screens and skying to contest shots. A truly all-time great debut and a performance that Sixers fans won’t soon forget.
Tyrese Maxey: 40 points, 6 assist, 2 steals, 13-of-24 from the field, 7-of-9 from three
Tyrese Maxey quickly reminded the NBA world and Sixers fans alike that he is one of the most dynamic guards playing the game. Maxey scorched the nets, knocking down 7-of-9 from beyond the arc. Maxey was deep in his bag creating shots in isolation, getting to his patented step back to create space, and being a blur in transition with the ball in his hands. Maxey, the biggest All-Star snub from last season, made an early statement to open the 2025-2026 campaign. Maxey, who is known for his relentless work ethic, could once again be making another leap.
