Overview
- VJ Edgecombe delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds in a 109–97 play-in win over the Magic on Wednesday, clinching the No. 7 seed and a first-round series with the Celtics.
- Head coach Nick Nurse said Edgecombe made a few off-script decisions with the ball, then praised his hard defense and relentless rebounding.
- The 20-year-old declared he is not scared of any matchup and vowed to guard whoever is in front of him.
- Paul George has been mentoring Edgecombe with extra on-court work and film sessions and called him an all-around superstar.
- His rookie season already features the Rising Stars MVP and breakout games against the Kings and Wizards, which strengthened his fit next to Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.