VJ Edgecombe received a stern halftime message after loss to the Nuggets

The 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe scored all 17 of his points in the second half of Monday's overtime loss to the Denver Nuggets after Joel Embiid delivered a stern halftime message about starting the game earlier.

VJ Edgecombe delivered a notable second-half performance but the Philadelphia 76ers fell in overtime to the Denver Nuggets on Monday. Edgecombe scored all 17 of his points after halftime and hit several key 3-pointers while making defensive plays down the stretch. He also totaled nine assists, eight rebounds and two blocks in the game. The second-half turnaround followed a stern halftime message from Joel Embiid about being more engaged from the start. Key facts: - Edgecombe scored all 17 points in the second half and made decisive plays in overtime. - He finished the game with nine assists, eight rebounds and two blocks. - At halftime he was 0-for-5 from the field and 0-for-3 from deep, but had four assists and three rebounds at that point. - Joel Embiid said at halftime, "I asked him if he was taking a day off," and later praised Edgecombe’s defensive focus in the second half. - The 76ers lost in overtime and are scheduled to host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday. Summary: Edgecombe’s second-half scoring and defensive plays changed the late-game momentum and highlighted his two-way impact. Despite that surge, Philadelphia did not secure the win. The team’s next scheduled game is at home against the Washington Wizards on Wednesday.