On a thrilling night in the NBA, 24 teams took to the court for an action-packed slate of games, including standout debuts and historic performances. The focus was on the highly anticipated NBA debuts of top draft picks, including Cooper Flagg and VJ Edgecombe.
Cooper Flagg Makes a Splash in NBA Debut
Cooper Flagg, the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 NBA Draft, debuted with the Dallas Mavericks against the San Antonio Spurs on October 22, 2025. Flagg has been a highly regarded talent since his high school career at Monteverde Academy, where he won multiple prestigious awards.
In his debut, Flagg not only showcased his skills but also stepped into a leadership position, starting as point guard. His matchup against the No. 2 pick, Dylan Harper, was a highlight of the night.
Historic Performances in Rookie Debuts
Another remarkable debut was by VJ Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick, who played for the Philadelphia 76ers. Edgecombe scored 34 points against the Boston Celtics, setting a record for the most points in an NBA debut this century. He achieved an impressive 14 points in the first quarter, surpassing LeBron James’ record.
- VJ Edgecombe: 34 points in debut
- Cooper Flagg: Significant role as point guard
Notable Games and Highlights
The NBA night featured other thrilling matchups, including the New York Knicks defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111. Milwaukee’s Khris Middleton returned to his home crowd, scoring 23 points against the Wizards, contributing to the Bucks’ victory.
| Team Matchup | Result |
|---|---|
| Knicks vs. Cavaliers | Knicks 119 – Cavaliers 111 |
| 76ers vs. Celtics | 76ers 117 – Celtics 116 |
| Mavericks vs. Spurs | To be determined |
This season opener highlighted the excitement surrounding NBA rookies and established players, setting the tone for the competitive season ahead. With 12 games on the schedule, fans enjoyed a myriad of highlights and competitive performances across the league.
