NBA Recap – October 23, 2025, Rookie VJ Edgecombe shines, Wemby erupts, and Anthony Edwards leads Wolves comeback

The 2025–26 NBA season opened with fireworks across the league — buzzer-beaters, breakout debuts, and dominant performances marking a thrilling first slate of games.

 76ers 117, Celtics 116 — Rookie Edgecombe’s Debut Steals the Show

The Philadelphia 76ers stunned the Boston Celtics in a nail-biting 117–116 road victory, highlighted by a historic debut from rookie VJ Edgecombe. The 19-year-old sensation erupted for 34 points, the third-highest total ever in an NBA debut, while Tyrese Maxey poured in 40 to lead Philly’s charge.

Boston fought hard behind Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, who scored 25 apiece, but the Celtics’ poor 11-of-43 shooting from deep proved costly. In a tense finish, Edgecombe missed two free throws, yet Boston failed to capitalize as Payton Pritchard misfired twice at the buzzer — sealing a dramatic Sixers win.

Knicks 119, Cavaliers 111 — Anunoby, Brunson Lead New York’s Strong Start

At Madison Square Garden, OG Anunoby and Jalen Brunson powered the New York Knicks past the Cleveland Cavaliers, 119–111. Anunoby tallied 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Brunson added 23 points to secure the victory.

Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell exploded for 31 points, including 21 in the third quarter, and Evan Mobley chipped in 22, but a decisive 14–0 Knicks run early in the fourth sealed the deal. The win marked a promising debut for new Knicks coach Mike Brown, whose defensive discipline and balanced offense stood out.

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— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 23, 2025

Spurs 125, Mavericks 92 — Wembanyama Dominates, Mavs Falter

In Dallas, Victor Wembanyama delivered an early MVP-worthy performance, dropping 40 points and 15 rebounds in just 29 minutes as the San Antonio Spurs demolished the Mavericks, 125–92.

Top overall pick Cooper Flagg made his highly anticipated debut for Dallas but struggled to find rhythm amid the team’s disorganized play. 

The Mavericks showed early energy but unraveled due to foul trouble and sloppy execution, prompting scrutiny of Jason Kidd’s rotations. San Antonio, meanwhile, looked composed and clinical — an ominous warning to the rest of the West.

Timberwolves 118, Trail Blazers 114 — AntMan’s 41 Powers Late Rally

Despite battling back spasms, Anthony Edwards erupted for 41 points to carry the Minnesota Timberwolves past the Portland Trail Blazers, 118–114, in their season opener at Moda Center.

Down the stretch, Edwards hit back-to-back threes and a clutch step-back jumper to erase a late deficit before Rudy Gobert’s dunk sealed the comeback win. Jerami Grant led Portland with 29 points, but missing stars Damian Lillard (Achilles) and Scoot Henderson (hamstring) proved too much to overcome.

Around the League

It was an explosive night across the NBA. The Charlotte Hornets routed the Brooklyn Nets 136–117 behind Brandon Miller’s 25 points, while Paolo Banchero guided the Orlando Magic past Miami, 125–121. In Toronto, RJ Barrett scored 25 as the Raptors rolled over Atlanta, 138–118, and Nikola Vučević’s 28-point outing lifted the Bulls over Detroit, 115–111.

Out West, Ja Morant exploded for 35 points in Memphis’ 128–122 win over New Orleans, Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 37 as Milwaukee topped Washington, 133–120, Walker Kessler led Utah past the Clippers, 129–108, and Devin Booker’s 31-point night powered Phoenix to a gritty 120–116 victory over Sacramento.

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