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Tag: mccain

  • Rookie Magic: Edgecombe’s Clutch Three Saves the Day in Memphis – Philadelphia Sports Nation

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    The No. 3 pick drops 25 and the game-winner

    Valdez Drexel Edgecombe Jr. has hit the ground running for the Philadelphia 76ers. The number three overall pick in the 2025 draft seems to only be getting better as the games go on. Already finding himself as every night starter but growing into a focal point in the offense along with becoming one of the Sixers’ most trusted defenders. His impact off the ball has helped the Sixers propel into the 5th seed in the East with a 17-14 record through the end of December. VJ’s blend of explosive athleticism and smart play has been a breath of fresh air for a team dealing with ups and downs, especially injuries to guys like Embiid.

    Coming out of Baylor, where he flashed two-way potential, VJ has translated it seamlessly to the pros. He’s averaging 15.9 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game on 42% shooting. But stats don’t tell the full story – he’s locking down perimeter guards, throwing down wild dunks, and making smart cuts or extra passes that fit perfectly alongside Maxey and Embiid. The kid plays hard every possession, and it’s contagious.

    Sixers dust off tough three game skid:

    After a rough skid and three-game losing streak that had fans worried, VJ got the Sixers back on track last night against the Memphis Grizzlies. It was a shootout at FedExForum, with Joel Embiid dropping 34 points and 10 boards. But VJ stole the spotlight in overtime. Tied at 136-136, with 1.7 seconds left, he drained a three off an inbound play for a 139-136 win. He finished with 25 points (10-of-21 FG, 5-of-10 from deep), six rebounds, four assists, four steals, and a block in 41 minutes. That dagger wasn’t just clutch – it’s the stuff Philly legends are made of.

    Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

    Postgame, VJ stayed humble, crediting teammates: “My teammates have faith in us to make a play, and that’s what happened” (WSLS). But that grin gave away how big it felt. This isn’t his only highlight – think back to his 22 points while clamping Brunson against the Knicks, or that double-double vs. Boston to end an earlier slump. VJ consistently steps up.

    Head coach Nick Nurse on his maturity: “He’s kind of like that all the time… I never see him show much emotion. I think it’s an incredible quality. He just plays the game” (WSLS). Nurse has ramped up his minutes, and it’s paying dividends. VJ’s quiet confidence cuts through the hype.

    While Cooper Flagg grabs headlines as the heavy ROY favorite at -600 odds, VJ is climbing with his athletic finishes, clutch shots, defense, and IQ. His odds are around +6000, but performances like last night could change that fast. Others like Kon Knueppel and Derik Queen are in the conversation, but VJ’s all-around impact on a contender sets him apart. His style and passion have Sixers fans buzzing with hope for the future. Playoffs looming – if he keeps this up, Philly could make serious noise. This rookie’s just scratching the surface.

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    Jake Mayson

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  • 76ers to face Magic while in search of a rhythm

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    (Photo credit: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

    The Philadelphia 76ers will work on consistency in an effort to deliver a complete performance at home against the Orlando Magic on Tuesday in an NBA Cup East Group B contest.

    Philadelphia has alternated losses and wins in each of its last nine games. And while the Sixers haven’t lost two games in a row since early November, they haven’t won two games in a row since a four-game win streak to start the season.

    Most recently, the Sixers fell to the Miami Heat 127-117 on Sunday despite 27 points from Tyrese Maxey. The dynamic guard leads the team in scoring at 33.0 points per game — second in the NBA — and has averaged a career-high 7.8 assists.

    He played through a sore shoulder against Miami, carrying his typical heavy offensive load while the team navigates injuries to Joel Embiid (knee), Kelly Oubre (knee) and VJ Edgecombe (calf).

    ‘I mean, (we do) just the best we can,’ Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse said. ‘We’ll plug in and do what we think we need to do. Start who we need. Who’s next in line? Try to figure out what the matchups look like, who we’re playing, all that kind of stuff, and try to make some decisions that work. Some of them do. Some of them don’t, obviously, right?’

    In addition to missing several key players, the Sixers also are slowly working Paul George and Jared McCain back into the lineup. McCain had his best game of the season against the Heat, finishing with 15 points in 26 minutes. George, however, shot 3 of 10 from the floor and 0 of 5 from 3-point range in an uninspiring 20-minute run.

    ‘I think, the guys that do play, we play to the best of our ability,’ said Andre Drummond, who filled in for Embiid with 14 points and 24 rebounds. ‘We’re playing good teams, and it’s hard to find a rhythm when we’re not knowing who we’re playing with on a nightly basis.’

    The Magic had won six of seven before falling in Boston 138-129 on Sunday in the opener of their three-game road trip.

    Jett Howard scored a season-high 30 points for Orlando, which continued to play without Paolo Banchero (groin). Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. also sat out, paving the way for the Celtics to shoot 60.2% from the floor and 45.5% from 3-point range.

    ‘I loved our team’s fight,’ Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley said. ‘These guys just continued to battle. Our bench was in it for them. Those guys we talk about staying ready when your number is called. … Those guys stepped up and stepped into their role and accepted whatever was asked of them tonight. They did it wholeheartedly.’

    Desmond Bane contributed 18 points, as did rookie Jase Richardson. Franz Wagner scored 15 points but was a minus-17 in 28 minutes.

    ‘I think we have to do a better job (on defense). We gave up 48 in that second quarter,’ Mosley said. ‘I think that’s what we’ve got to continue to harp on, is our defensive standard.’

    Philadelphia defeated Orlando 136-124 on Oct. 27 as Maxey scored 43 points and Edgecombe added 26. Banchero (32) and Bane (24) were the top scorers for the Magic that night.

    –Field Level Media

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