Edgecombe, Maxey Power Sixers Past Celtics

Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe scored 34 points with seven rebounds and three assists as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 117–116 in the season opener in Boston. Edgecombe hit five 3-pointers, scored 14 first-quarter points — breaking LeBron James’ debut first-quarter mark — and his 34 is the third-highest NBA debut behind Wilt Chamberlain and Frank Selvy and surpassed Allen Iverson’s franchise debut record. Tyrese Maxey added 40 points, giving the pair 74 points in the game. Joel Embiid was limited to four points in 20 minutes, and with Paul George and Jared McCain unavailable Edgecombe’s opportunity increased. Celtics staff and players acknowledged the need to adjust defensively, and reserve big man Luka Garza was placed in concussion protocol during the game.