Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe made a historic NBA debut, scoring 34 points in a 117-116 win over the Boston Celtics at TD Garden to open the season. The No. 3 overall pick proved why he earned a spot in the starting lineup, delivering one of the most impressive debuts in league history.

Edgecombe’s performance ranks as the third highest scoring total ever in an NBA debut, trailing only Wilt Chamberlain’s 43 points in 1959 and Frank Selvy’s 35 in 1954. It also set a new franchise record for a debut, surpassing Allen Iverson’s 30 point performance in 1996.

The rookie came out firing, dropping 14 points in the first quarter, the most ever by a player in their first NBA quarter, breaking LeBron James’ previous mark from 2003. Edgecombe finished 13 of 26 from the field, including 5 of 13 from three point range, while adding 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.

Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey, who scored a game high 40 points, fueled a furious fourth quarter comeback after Philadelphia trailed by 13. Despite missing two free throws with 7.8 seconds remaining, Edgecombe and the Sixers held on thanks to a clutch defensive stop on the final possession, securing a statement win to open the season.