Getty

VJ Edgecombe reacts during an NBA postseason game.

On Sunday at the Xfinity Mobile Arena, the New York Knicks dominated the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of their second-round playoff series. The Knicks swept the Sixers to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals for the second consecutive year.

The Knicks came out firing in the first quarter and never looked back. It was a tough night for the Sixers backcourt of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe. Maxey, who has been dealing with a finger injury, shot 6-for-16 and finished with 17 points and four assists.

Edgecombe scored just eight points on 14 shots, missing all six of his attempts from 3-point range. The Knicks had too much firepower, finishing things off with a 144-114 win.

VJ Edgecombe Sends Strong Message After Sweep

GettyV. J. Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Two of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 06, 2026 in New York City.

In four games against the Knicks, VJ Edgecombe had a rough time shooting the basketball, particularly from beyond the arc. Edgecombe averaged 12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 1.0 steals, while shooting 40.4% from the floor and 26.1% from 3-point range.

Speaking to reporters at the Sixers’ end of season media availability, Edgecombe made a bold promise and sent a strong message to opposing teams for next season.

“Coming into next year a team won’t ever leave me open,” Egdecombe said, via Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports. “In the regular season I was shooting the ball pretty well. Playoffs come, it’s a different vibe. Intensity, fire, closeouts are a lot quicker. …I’m gonna work. That’s all I’m gonna do, whatever I gotta do to get better.”

Edgecombe had a pretty successful rookie season, finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting behind Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. He averaged 16.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.4 steals with shooting splits of 44/35/82.

Joel Embiid Passes Torch To VJ Edgecombe

GettyJoel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers and VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrate during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 30, 2025 in Memphis, Tennessee.

After his valiant effort in the Sixers’ first-round upset of the Boston Celtics, Joel Embiid was slowed down by injuries against the Knicks. Embiid’s future with the franchise is in question after dropping a cryptic remark after Game 4.

“I don’t know who’s going to be here,” Embiid said, via TalkSport. “I don’t even know if I’m going to be here, but whatever happens, happens. But for me, I’m excited about really getting back to myself.”

The former MVP also seemingly anointed VJ Edgecombe as the next star for the Sixers, passing the torch to the dynamic guard.

“VJ is up next,” Embiid said, via Kyle Neubeck of PHLY Sports. “Philly got a good one in him, he’s the guy. I think, I’m telling you guys, that guy is something different. And this was only year one, and this was only year one, year two is gonna be better, year three, even better, but he has a chance to be extremely special.”

Regardless of what Embiid said, he still has three years left on his contract, and his trade value won’t be high due to his long list of injuries.