Historic Start for 76ers Backcourt
The Philadelphia 76ers opened the 2024-25 season with a pace and energy that suggested more than just early-season buzz. In just three games, Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe have combined for 182 points, the most by any starting backcourt through the first three games of a season since ESPN began tracking starters in 1970-71. Their brilliance has helped Philadelphia surge to a 3-0 record, a refreshing contrast to last season’s long, frustrating skid.
How Maxey and Edgecombe Are Driving the Break
Maxey’s 43-point effort with eight assists in Monday’s win over the Orlando Magic highlighted his continued evolution as a franchise catalyst. Edgecombe added 26 points and seven assists, showcasing a quick-study approach that has teammates and coaches buzzing. The two guard tandem is not simply scoring; it’s a companionable, high-pressure style that keeps defenses off balance and creates open looks for teammates across the floor.
Edgecombe’s Rapid Adaptation
Edgecombe’s performance has been especially striking given his rookie status and the pressure of joining a team with playoff aspirations. Averaging 25 points while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three, he has demonstrated an understanding of where his buckets come from. “I’m a student of the game,” Edgecombe said, noting that film study and playing alongside established playmakers have accelerated his growth. His confidence is grounded in preparation and a clear sense of role within the team’s system.
Team Identity: Pace, Depth, and Guard-Driven Wins
Coach Nick Nurse has emphasized a frenetic tempo that relies on the guard position to generate pressure, even with star center Joel Embiid handling minutes limits or occasional rest. The result has been a resilient, attack-oriented approach that has carried the Sixers to road and home wins against competitive clubs. The weekend wins against Boston and Charlotte underscored a developing identity: speed paired with unselfish ball movement, and a willingness to lean on multiple contributors when the scoring load is heavy on the backcourt.
Contributions Across the Roster
While Maxey and Edgecombe have stolen headlines, the supporting cast has not been shy about stepping in. Kelly Oubre delivered what the coach called his best performance in years, pouring in 25 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while guarding a much larger opponent. Andre Drummond provided critical minutes in the late stretch of a win over the Hornets. These contributions illustrate a Philadelphia team that isn’t relying on a single hero but building a coalition around speed, defense, and relentless effort.
What This Means Going Forward
The early success has sparked optimism not just among fans but within the organization. Edgecombe’s rapid assimilation alongside Maxey could serve as a blueprint for the franchise’s long-term development, especially as trade rumors and injury uncertainties loom around the league. The backcourt duo’s ability to command attention and dictate pace could be a differentiator in a stacked Eastern Conference, where games often hinge on single stretches of scoring runs.
Players’ Perspective and Team Outlook
Maxey reflected on sustaining the momentum, underscoring the importance of team-wide aggression. “We’re just trying to go out there and be aggressive and help us win,” he said. His leadership, paired with Edgecombe’s fresh confidence and the squad’s depth, signals a Philadelphia team that plans to push the pace and trust its process, regardless of opponents.
As Embiid returns to full-strength rotation and more players integrate, the Sixers’ three-game surge could become a durable trend rather than a flashy start. If Maxey and Edgecombe keep producing at their current clip, the 76ers will likely be a team no one wants to face down the stretch of any close contest.
