The Philadelphia 76ers entered play Saturday night with two-straight victories, looking to rise up in the Eastern Conference standings.
That said, the New York Knicks posed a difficult matchup, ranking second in the conference. Although Josh Hart, Landry Shamet and Mitchell Robinson were sidelined, Karl-Anthony Towns returned to the starting lineup having recovered from an illness.
Philadelphia proved themselves hard to beat though, as they came into Madison Square Garden and outscored the Knicks in three out of four quarters. As usual, Tyrese Maxey led the way, scoring 36 points to go along with eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks.
Joel Embiid continued a streak of seven-straight games scoring 22 or more with a 26 point performance. The former MVP added 10 rebounds and five assists as well.
However, despite the duo of Maxey and Embiid combining for 62 points, it was rookie guard VJ Edgecombe that stole the show. Edgecombe finished with 26 points on 10-for-16 shooting from the field to go along with four assists, two blocks and two steals.
Over the last three games, Edgecombe has amassed 74 points, 10 steals and four blocks. While those numbers may not seem special, it puts Edgecombe in rare company. In fact, no rookie has posted those numbers in a three-game span since LeBron James with the Cleveland Cavaliers in December 2003, over 22 years ago.
Edgecombe will continue to showcase his elite two-way prowess as the 76ers return to action Monday against the Denver Nuggets.
More NBA news:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander praises Chet Holmgren for OKC's success
- LeBron James breaks another scoring record in win over Grizzlies
- Tyrese Maxey: 'Joel Embiid was really the first person to believe in me'
- One of the NBA's most efficient players is on a two-way contract
- Cam Thomas' most recent dispute with Brooklyn ignites trade rumors
- Miami reveals the status of Tyler Herro, Bam Adebyao and more ahead of Saturday's game
- Guerschon Yabusele addresses his future with the Knicks following trade rumors