The Philadelphia 76ers have started their 2025-26 season on fire, rolling to a 3-0 start with tonight’s win against the Orlando Magic. Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe have injected a youthful energy and confidence into the team and have sparked offensive fireworks that have everyone paying attention. Three games in, and there’s a buzz in Philly, something that hasn’t been felt since the early Joel Embiid-Ben Simmons era.

Together, Maxey and Edgecombe have put together a synergy statistic that’s almost unheard of to start a season. According to ESPN‘s Tim Bontemps, “Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe have combined for 186 points this season. That’s the most points by any starting backcourt through any team’s first 3 games of a season since starters were first tracked in 1970-71.” A record half a century old, shattered before October ends.

Maxey and Edgecombe have been key to the Sixers early winning streak. The 3rd overall pick has been a revelation, converting shots at 50% from the field and 40% from three while adding on 6 assists, and Maxey looks as poised as ever attacking the rim and pulling up from deep.

This kind of start lit up box scores, and is slowly rewriting expectations for the Sixers’ season. Even iconic duos like the Splash Brothers (Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson) or Chris Paul and James Harden never opened a season with this kind of explosive scoring. Philadelphia, long haunted by postseason heartbreak, is beginning to feel different: this backcourt signals the beginning of an era build on speed, chemistry, and unstoppable confidence.

Edgecombe in particular has been surreal to start the season. The Bahamian guard dropped a monstrous 34 points(!) in his debut, third most ever by a rookie in league history. He followed that up with 15 against Charlotte and 26 tonight, looking like a star in the making and a clear early-season favorite for Rookie of the Year.

Maxey, on the other hand, has made a statement in his play, especially with a 40 point bomb on opening night against the Celtics and 43 tonight. Joel Embiid and Paul George being injured isn’t going to slow him down, and he has clearly established himself as the leader of this team.

Nick Nurse Reacts to VJ Edgecombe’s Explosive Debut and Future Role in the 76ers’ Rotation

VJ Edgecombe’s 34 point outing against the Celtics stole every headline, and caught the attention of the man in charge of his minutes. After the win, head coach Nick Nurse praised the rookie. “Seemed like there were opportunities for him,” he said. “I think again there’s certainly a great start, but you just know there’s like tons of room, different things he needs to do.” His tone carried restraint and admiration, signaling the coach’s excitement amidst determination to keep the young man grounded.

Still, Nurse couldn’t deny what everyone saw. “I’d like him to be a little more aggressive in the open floor,” he continued. “He’s got that in his game… but that’s an amazing first game performance.” Later, when told that Edgecombe’s record was the third-highest debut in NBA history, Nurse couldn’t help. “That’s pretty good,” he admitted. “He has a good motor… He looked pretty comfortable out there. You just don’t see him making many mistakes. He’s got a very good feel for the game.”

The message is clear: this wasn’t a fluke. Nurse’s comments signal that Edgecombe could quickly become a part of the core next to Maxey if his performance continues. For a Sixers, who are still managing Joel Embiid’s extensive injury history, a 3-0 start signals a brighter future than previously expected.