Tirese Makey, VJ Edgecombe make NBA history

The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2025–26 NBA season surrounded by questions, from health issues surrounding Joel Embiid and Paul George to uncertainty about how their young roster would fare after last year’s 24-win campaign. But in just three games, one thing is already crystal clear: this team is not the same as last year’s.

On Monday night, the 76ers recorded their third straight season-opening victory, defeating the Orlando Magic 136-124 without their two veteran stars. Instead, it was Tyrese McKay and rookie VJ Edgecombe which once again took the reins and carried Philadelphia to victory. Maxey erupted for 43 points and eight assists on 15-of-32 shooting, while Edgecombe added 26 points and seven assists, solidifying what has quickly become one of the most exciting young backcourts in the NBA.

“Tyreese shows me every day what it means to be a professional,” Edgecombe said after the game. “The energy, the leadership, the work ethic, I’m just trying to balance it out.”

VJ Edgecombe block on Tirese Makey bucket in transition 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2DrcA4VigK

— Barstool Philly (@BarstoolPhilly) October 28, 2025

The duo’s early-season brilliance has made NBA history, as Maxey and Edgecombe have now combined for 182 points through three games, the most by any starting backcourt through a team’s first three games since the NBA began tracking starters in 1970-71, according to ESPN Research.

For Maxey, who has embraced the challenge of being the Sixers’ offensive anchor, this jump represents a decisive step forward. “We’re just playing free basketball,” he said. “We trust each other and that’s what makes the game easy.”

Philadelphia’s offensive energy and chemistry has been palpable despite missing a cornerstone in Embiid. The Sixers are now averaging nearly 130 points per game to start the season, showing a rejuvenated pace and creativity that was sorely lacking last year.

He quickly finds trust with Edgecombe under Maxey’s tutelage, the 76ers suddenly look like one of the NBA’s freshest early stories, and perhaps one of its most dangerous surprises.

At 3-0, this version of Philadelphia feels like it’s finally entering a new era: fast, fearless and driven by a backfield built for the future.