Sixers' VJ Edgecombe registers historic performance in Game 2 victory

VJ Edgecombe registered a historically rare postseason double-double by a rookie, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a Game 2 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday.

Edgecombe finished with 30 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals in the 111-97 win at TD Garden to even up their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. He shot 12-of-20 from the field, including six of the Sixers' 19 3-pointers, and was a game-high plus-17 on the court.

The third overall pick surpassed Hall of Famer Magic Johnson as the youngest player in history to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff game (20 years, 265 days). He is the first rookie to reach that stat line in a playoff game since Tim Duncan in 1998.

"He has been impressive all season long," said Paul George, who had 19 points. "When you think about it, how he started his first NBA game here in this building (with 34 points), I'm sure he was in a small group of players that did what he did on that opening night and then to put a whole season together and get to this point where he is showcasing who he is, he is far past a rookie. ... It is just impressive, man."

Jaylen Brown produced a game-high 36 points and seven rebounds, while Jayson Tatum neared a triple-double with 19 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists and Derrick White had eight points to lead the Celtics, who led by as many as 13 points in the first quarter.

Edgecombe tallied 20 points in the first half alone to help the Sixers overcome their double-digit deficit and carry an eight-point lead at the intermission. With Edgecome carrying the load early, Tyrese Maxey scored 14 of his 29 points in the second half to seal the win.

"We got to a better job on Edgecombe," Brown said. "He definitely affected the game. ... I thought Edgecombe was just too comfortable. He built a rhythm and was able to have an extreme impact on the game. He hit six 3s, which he is a capable shooter, so we've just got to adjust and be ready to guard him because he is a ballplayer. He is a rookie, but he can play. We've got to be better on him."

Though Edgecombe logged 35 minutes, 18 seconds on Tuesday, the Bahamian worked through some discomfort after landing on his back. Afterward, Edgecombe confirmed that he was "good" since he was able to finish out the game on the court.

Hobbled a bit, Edgecombe bounced back from an inefficient playoff debut on Sunday after recording 13 points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals in their Game 1 loss. He went just 6-of-16 from the field, while missing each of his five 3-point attempts in 34 minutes.

"We've been saying it all year, but what he showed tonight was maturity," Maxey said. "Last game, a couple of times, he missed those 3s, and he started driving or cutting, and I told him, 'You're not going 0-for-5 from 3, so whenever they're on the nail, and I swing it to you, you shoot it. I don't care what the outcome is.' ... He did that. He hooped, man. He hooped."

Edgecombe on Sunday was named a finalist for Rookie of the Year, averaging 16 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals on 35.4% shooting from beyond the arc in 75 games. He led the NBA in loose balls recovered (79) and was third in scoring among rookies.

The former Baylor guard emerged as a key contributor for coach Nick Nurse as the Sixers dealt with several injuries. He maintained a high level of confidence throughout the year and wants to continue to do so throughout their postseason run.

"I just try not to overthink it," Edgecombe said. "I try not to put pressure on myself; everyone else is already putting pressure on us to perform. I try not to put pressure on myself. I'm around a great group of guys, that has also helped me keep instilling confidence in me to keep going regardless of who is on the floor, who is not on the floor. It is just a big shout-out to my teammates and coaches."

This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Sixers news: VJ Edgecombe turns in historic effort in Game 2 victory