Historic Start for the 76ers Backcourt
Philadelphia’s 76ers opened the season with a spark that has fans buzzing and opponents taking notes. 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 starting lineups in 1970-71. Their early production has carried the team to a 3-0 start, a remarkable tune-up compared to last season’s slog that stretched to a 24-58 finish.
The latest example came Monday in a 136-124 win over the Orlando Magic, highlighted by Maxey’s 43 points and eight assists and Edgecombe’s 26 points and seven assists. Philadelphia’s rapid start has them atop early-season conversations about identity, pace, and the potential ceiling for a squad that seems to function best when its guards push tempo and create opportunities for teammates.
Backcourt Dynamo: Maxey and Edgecombe
Maxey has long been a dynamic scoring guard for the Sixers, but Edgecombe’s emergence has shifted the team’s expectations upward in a hurry. Averaging 25 points per game while shooting 50% from the floor and 40% from three, Edgecombe is turning what looked like a lottery-season pivot into a tangible plan for the present. His comfort with the ball, willingness to attack, and readiness to share the playmaking load have been assets for a roster still integrating new pieces and evaluating extended lineups early in the season.
“I got confidence in myself and I got confidence in my work and I trust the people that I work with within the team,” Edgecombe said. “I say I’m a student of the game, so I know where my buckets are going to come from.” His remarks underscored a buoyant environment where young players feel trusted to contribute immediately, even as veterans remain part of a larger picture.
Team Identity: Pace, Pressure, and Production
Coach Nick Nurse has emphasized that the Sixers’ early success isn’t about one or two players individually—it’s about a collective approach that emphasizes speed and relentless guard play. Even with injuries and lineup shuffles—Paul George (knee), Jared McCain (thumb), Trendon Watford (hamstring), and Dominick Barlow (elbow) among those unavailable—the team has forged an identity built on tempo and defense-to-offense transitions that keep opponents off balance.
In both season openers—against Boston and later against Charlotte—Philadelphia used a frenetic pace to erase deficits, a strategy that appeared sustainable in large part due to the guard duo’s ability to generate offense and set the tone. The backcourt’s chemistry has become the central storyline of a team that is still acclimating to a new framework and new supporting pieces, including Embiid navigating minutes limits on back-to-back nights.
Supporting Cast: Oubre, Drummond, and the Depth
While Maxey and Edgecombe headline the offense, the supporting cast has delivered crucial contributions. Kelly Oubre turned in what coach Nurse called his best game in Philadelphia, posting 25 points and 10 rebounds while spending significant time guarding Paolo Banchero. Saturday’s win over Charlotte saw Andre Drummond play nearly the entire final stretch, providing an energy lift and a dose of physicality that helped seal the comeback. The Sixers have shown they can win in different ways, which bodes well for a team with as much youth and as many injuries as this one.
What This Means for Philadelphia Going Forward
Today’s 3-0 start is about more than a hot stretch; it signals a potential shift in a franchise that spent much of last season waiting for a breakthrough. If Maxey remains aggressive and Edgecombe continues to grow into a reliable scoring and playmaking force, Philadelphia could accelerate its rebuild while contending for a steady position in the standings. The Sox’s backcourt is delivering excitement, and the city is listening.
Quotes and Perspective
Maxey reflected on the team’s mood after three games, emphasizing collective effort and the pursuit of wins. “We’re just trying to go out there and be aggressive and help us win,” he said. “As long as we’re doing that then we’re doing a good job.” Edgecombe, still processing the historic stat about their backcourt start, smiled and nodded. It’s a reminder that sometimes, numbers lag behind the eye test—yet in Philadelphia, the eye test is delivering a record-setting early-season narrative.
