NBA Playoffs: VJ Edgecombe Leads the Sixers to a Historic Upset
Apr 21, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) attempts a three-point basket against the Boston Celtics in the first half of a game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
After getting blown out in Game 1 (91-123), the Philadelphia 76ers pulled off a surprise by winning 111-97 against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. The victory was fueled by an exceptional performance from rookie VJ Edgecombe, who has written his name into NBA playoff history.
A Historic Performance from VJ Edgecombe
At just 20 years and 265 days old, VJ Edgecombe became the youngest player in NBA history to record 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff game, surpassing Magic Johnson who had held that record since 1980. The 76ers rookie finished the game with 30 points on 12/20 shooting, including a remarkable 6/10 from three-point range, along with 10 rebounds and 2 steals.
Edgecombe particularly shone in the second quarter with 16 points, setting a franchise record for a rookie in the playoffs. Despite a painful fall early in the game that forced him to visit the locker room twice, the guard managed to return to the court and carry his team to a stunning victory.
The Edgecombe-Maxey Duo Makes the Difference
Tyrese Maxey perfectly supported his young teammate with 29 points and 9 assists. The All-Star point guard was decisive in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 crucial points to seal the win. Together, the two guards combined for 59 points and hit 11 of their 22 three-point attempts.
This collective long-range shooting performance was a striking contrast to Game 1. After shooting just 17% from beyond the arc in the first game, the 76ers rediscovered their touch with an excellent 19/39 (49%) from three-point range. Paul George also contributed with 19 points, showing that his experience at 35 still proves valuable in the playoffs.
HISTORIC NIGHT FOR VJ EDGECOMBE 🔥
First rookie with:
✓ 5 threes and 10 REB in a playoff game in NBA history
✓ a 30-PT double-double in a playoff game since Derrick Rose in 2009
✓ 30 PTS and 10 REB in a playoff game since Tim Duncan in 1998 pic.twitter.com/fgXjRXLacr— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 22, 2026
Boston Pays the Price for Offensive Struggles
Despite 36 points from Jaylen Brown and a near triple-double from Jayson Tatum (19 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists), the Celtics never found their offensive rhythm. Joe Mazzulla’s team finished with a disappointing 13/50 (26%) from three-point range, their worst three-point percentage of the season while attempting that many shots.
This collective shooting slump allowed the 76ers to take control of the game by halftime (62-54) and hold off Boston’s comeback attempts. The series now shifts to Philadelphia for Game 3 on Friday, with home-court advantage having switched sides. Without Joel Embiid, still recovering from his appendectomy on April 9, the 76ers proved they can compete with the favorites of the Eastern Conference.
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