Tyrese Maxey celebrates VJ Edgecombe's maturity in standout Game 2 performance originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Philadelphia 76ers had a magical night on Tuesday, as they managed to steal Game 2 from the Boston Celtics. Considering the 76ers are heavy underdogs because they do not have Joel Embiid, this was a monumental result for Philly.
Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe combined for 59 points in Game 2. However, it was Edgecombe who had the more impressive performance, considering he played at that level as just a rookie.
Even if he is only a rookie, Edgecombe has been amazing all year. He immediately entered head coach Nick Nurse's starting lineup. VJ even displaced a returning Jared McCain, who eventually got traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It was one of the biggest long-term decisions for the 76ers because they fully committed to Edgecombe. That has paid off because Edgecombe continues to be a star-level player in just his rookie season, as proven by his first few games in the Playoffs.
MORE: VJ Edgecombe breaks a record held by Tim Duncan and Magic Johnson
In just his second game in the Playoffs against the Celtics, Edgecombe scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. It was one of the most impressive breakouts of the year because it showcased Edgecombe's star potential and maturity.
"We've been saying it all year, but what he showed tonight was maturity. Last game, he missed those threes, and he started driving, and started cutting... Look, he did that, he hooped," Maxey said after the 76ers' upset win in Game 2.
Even Jaylen Brown was impressed with the rookie, as he commended him after the game. It is difficult to get this kind of warranted praise, but Edgecombe continues to prove himself as one of the most promising youngsters in the NBA.
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