Down 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semifinal series against the New York Knicks, it was clear the host Philadelphia 76ers needed a spark to start Game 3 on Friday.
It didn't take long for Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe -- the duo nicknamed "VJ Maxx" -- to fuel that spark.
Less than five minutes into the opening frame, Maxey launched a lob from well beyond the 3-point arc that Edgecombe hammered home with authority.
On the next possession, Maxey picked off Josh Hart's pass intended for an open Mikal Bridges, took off in transition and found Edgecombe again for another emphatic jam, pushing Philadelphia ahead 15-8.
https://t.co/5OhXi1tn8E pic.twitter.com/sITlEtpYgY
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) May 8, 2026
Despite the fast start, the Knicks answered late in the quarter, trimming the deficit to 31-27 by the end of the first. Entering Friday, Philly's largest lead in either of the first two games was seven points in Game 2.
While VJ Maxx provided the early jolt, the Knicks delivered a highlight of their own in the second quarter, when Mitchell Robinson rose and put Joel Embiid on a poster.
NEED A FRAME FOR THIS POSTER ASAP pic.twitter.com/N1iYz3UOj3
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) May 8, 2026
