Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe Lead 76ers to Fast Start with Historic Backcourt Play

The Philadelphia 76ers are off to an unexpected 3-0 start to the season, a stark contrast to their dismal 24-58 campaign last year. This early success can largely be credited to the stellar performances of Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe, who have scored a combined 182 points so far, setting an NBA record for the most points by a starting backcourt in a team’s first three games since the statistic was first tracked in 1970-71. In a 136-124 victory over the Orlando Magic on Monday night, Maxey contributed 43 points and eight assists, while Edgecombe added 26 points and seven assists, continuing their strong start to the season.

Despite being without key players like Joel Embiid, who was sidelined for Monday’s game, the 76ers have found success playing at a fast pace, utilizing the speed and athleticism of their guards. The victory came with plenty of help from across the roster, but it was once again Maxey and Edgecombe leading the charge. Coach Nick Nurse praised the contributions from everyone, but the young backcourt’s chemistry has been a driving force behind the team’s early success.

The 76ers’ performance this season has been a welcome surprise, especially after the frustration of the previous year, which saw the team mired in a rebuilding phase. Now, with a new focus and energized leadership from Maxey and Edgecombe, the 76ers are quickly developing an identity as a high-paced, guard-driven team capable of competing with anyone. The duo’s ability to play together seamlessly has given Philadelphia fans new hope and excitement for the future.

Maxey and Edgecombe’s early success also marks the impact of last season’s lottery luck, which resulted in the team selecting Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick. As a result, Philadelphia has a dynamic, youthful backcourt that is already making waves and helping the team win games they may not have won in recent seasons.

1. A Historic Start for Maxey and Edgecombe

Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are making history together. Through the first three games of the season, the 76ers’ backcourt has combined for the most points ever by a starting duo in NBA history. Maxey’s 43-point performance on Monday, accompanied by eight assists, was another standout effort from the fourth-year guard. Edgecombe, the highly-touted rookie, added 26 points and seven assists, continuing his impressive start to his NBA career. Maxey’s rise to prominence has been steady since he joined the 76ers, but his newfound partnership with Edgecombe has unlocked a new level of play. Maxey’s ability to score efficiently and distribute the ball has made him a key leader for Philadelphia. Meanwhile, Edgecombe, with his mature game and impressive scoring ability, has already proven to be a difference-maker, especially when working off Maxey’s playmaking. Edgecombe, who is averaging 25 points per game and shooting 50% from the field, credits his confidence to his preparation and study of the game. “I know where my buckets are going to come from,” Edgecombe said. His understanding of the game and ability to read situations has allowed him to thrive early, even as a rookie. With Maxey’s leadership and Edgecombe’s promising skillset, the 76ers’ backcourt is already proving to be one of the most dangerous in the league. For both Maxey and Edgecombe, their connection on the court is evident. Despite their individual success, both players emphasize team play and the importance of helping their team win. Edgecombe was initially surprised when told about the historic backcourt achievement, but Maxey, ever humble, deflected the praise, stating, “We’re just trying to go out there and be aggressive and help us win.”

2. Team Contributions and Depth

While Maxey and Edgecombe have been the primary catalysts, the 76ers have also received strong contributions from other players in each of their wins. Against Orlando, Kelly Oubre Jr. had one of his best games in a Philadelphia uniform, finishing with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Oubre’s performance was crucial, especially in guarding Orlando’s Paolo Banchero, and his scoring provided a necessary boost for the team. Andre Drummond also stepped up in the 76ers’ previous win against the Charlotte Hornets, playing the final 16 minutes and helping the team secure a comeback victory. Drummond’s rebounding and presence in the paint were critical, showcasing the depth of the team even when key players like Embiid are not on the court. The 76ers’ ability to get contributions from different players on different nights speaks to their growing depth and team chemistry. Coach Nick Nurse has been able to rely on a variety of players, depending on the game’s flow, which has allowed Philadelphia to adjust their strategy as needed. Nurse’s system emphasizes high pace and the use of dynamic guards to dictate the tempo of the game. With the 76ers’ guard-heavy attack, they have been able to compete even when facing teams with more size and star power. Despite being without several key players, including Paul George and Embiid, the 76ers have managed to maintain their undefeated start to the season. This depth, combined with the leadership of Maxey and Edgecombe, has allowed the team to stay competitive and remain one of the most exciting early-season stories in the NBA.

3. The 76ers’ New Identity

This fast start has given the 76ers a newfound sense of optimism. After a difficult and disappointing season last year, the team has quickly turned the page and emerged as one of the most pleasant surprises of the early season. Maxey and Edgecombe’s ability to perform at such a high level has set the tone for the team, and their chemistry has become the foundation of the 76ers’ success. The 76ers’ transition to a more guard-centric team is beginning to take shape, with a focus on speed, agility, and scoring from the backcourt. While they still have Joel Embiid as the centerpiece of the team, Philadelphia is proving that it can be successful even when he’s not on the floor. With Maxey and Edgecombe leading the charge, the 76ers are becoming a formidable force in the NBA, and their fast-paced, high-scoring style is making them a team to watch. This early success, coupled with the promise of future growth, has made the 76ers a team to keep an eye on for the rest of the season. The backcourt duo of Maxey and Edgecombe is breathing new life into the franchise, and the team’s ability to get contributions from across the roster only adds to their potential. As the season progresses, the 76ers will look to build on this momentum and continue to prove they are a force to be reckoned with.