Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers were on the road Thursday to face the Mavericks. It was the second of two meetings this season between Philadelphia and Dallas.Â
On December 20, the Sixers beat the Mavs 121-114 at home. Philly swept the two-game season series on Thursday with a 123-108 win. The Sixers improved to 18-14 in 2025-26. Rookie SG VJ Edgecome had a strong performance. His most impressive highlight from Thursday was a double block. VJ Edgecombe blocked Brandon Williams’ shot with his left hand first, and then his right in the same motion.
VJ Edgecombe put his athleticism on full display Thursday night vs. the Mavs
VJ Edgecombe blocks Brandon Williams with his left hand and then his right on the same play.pic.twitter.com/DcDKSM2EAo
— Underdog NBA (@UnderdogNBA) January 2, 2026
With the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, the 76ers selected VJ Edgecombe out of Baylor. The 20-year-old has started all 28 games he’s appeared in this season. Edgecome is averaging 16.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Early in his professional career, VJ Edgecombe has shown off his insane athleticism. Against the Mavs on Thursday, January 1, the rookie made a play that will be on his highlight tape for years to come.
Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg was pushing the ball in transition. He delivered a bounce pass to Brandon Williams. At first glance, it looked like Williams had an easy bucket. However, 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe came flying out of nowhere to block Williams’ shot. However, Edgecombe blocked Brandon Williams’ shot twice on the same play. Once with his left hand and once with his right. All in the same motion.
VJ Edgecombe tonight
– 23 points
– 5 rebounds
– 4 steals
– 1 block (both hands)
– 9/14 field goals
– 3/6 threespic.twitter.com/ixtlz8gUor— Jacob Moreno (@jacob_moreno_) January 2, 2026
It was one of the top blocks we’ve seen so far in the 2025-26 season. For the game, Edgecombe finished with 23 points, five rebounds, four steals, and one block. VJ Edgecombe outplayed fellow rookie Cooper Flagg, who had 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals. Most importantly, he helped Philadelphia secure a win on Thursday night.
Early in his career, VJ Edgecombe has had plenty of highlights for the Sixers. His block vs. the Mavericks is one he will remember for a long time. At 18-14, Philly is fifth in the Eastern Conference. Rookie VJ Edgecombe has been a key contributor for the Sixers. The 20-year-old is shooting .379% from beyond the arc this season. Through his first 28 games, Edgecombe looks like a foundational piece for years to come.
