Brown Hails Edgecombe as Short-Handed 76ers Rout Champion Knicks in Preseason

The Philadelphia 76ers sent an early message on Monday night, routing the reigning champion New York Knicks 120-97 in preseason action despite missing several key players. With the roster stretched thin, it was the youngsters who stepped up — and nobody drew more praise than rookie VJ Edgecombe.

Jaylen Brown, who poured in 22 points in the first half, was full of admiration for the rookie afterward, calling him a special talent and predicting big things. Edgecombe returned the love, calling Brown "my dawg" in a courtside exchange that had the arena buzzing.

Head coach Nick Nurse rotated heavily through the second half but the intensity never dropped, the Sixers stretching the lead to as many as 25 points. The champions looked every bit a team still in preseason mode; the Sixers looked like a team with something to prove.

It's only October, and preseason results come with caveats. But for a Philadelphia side that has lived in the shadow of its rivals, a 23-point statement win — powered by youth — is exactly the start they wanted.