Brianna Williams May 8, 2026, 08:04 PM ET

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.…