A raucous night in South Philadelphia delivered one of the most memorable finishes of the season as the 76ers leaned on a fearless rookie to escape with a pulse-pounding overtime victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. VJ Edgecombe, the team’s third overall selection in the most recent NBA Draft, authored his first signature professional moment by drilling a deep three-pointer in the closing seconds of overtime, sealing a 139–136 win that halted Philadelphia’s recent slide.
The final sequence capped a performance that showcased Edgecombe’s rapid growth and poise under pressure. After spending much of the early game navigating foul trouble, the Baylor product flipped the narrative in the fourth quarter. He erupted for 13 points in the period, repeatedly attacking the rim and knocking down timely perimeter shots to keep Philadelphia within striking distance as Memphis surged late.
While the rookie supplied the decisive blow, the foundation of the win was built by the 76ers’ established stars. Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid each poured in 34 points, controlling the tempo through long stretches of the contest. Maxey’s speed and shot-making fueled Philadelphia’s transition game, while Embiid’s physical presence in the paint forced Memphis into difficult defensive rotations and constant double teams.
The game unfolded as an offensive showcase from the opening tip. Both teams eclipsed the 50 percent shooting mark in the first half, trading runs in a fast-paced rhythm that kept the crowd on edge. By halftime, the scoreboard read 72–72, with Maxey already sitting on 24 points and Embiid contributing 19 of his own.
Philadelphia edged ahead entering the final quarter, but the Grizzlies refused to fade quietly. Ja Morant orchestrated a dramatic rally, pouring in 18 of his game-high 40 points in the fourth period alone. His relentless drives and acrobatic finishes erased what had briefly become a six-point 76ers advantage, knotting the score at 128 in the final minute of regulation and forcing overtime.
Memphis also received a career-defining performance from Cedric Coward, who posted personal bests with 28 points and 16 rebounds, controlling the glass and providing critical second-chance opportunities. Santi Aldama and Jaren Jackson Jr. each added 15 points, with Jackson also pulling down a dozen rebounds. Despite shooting well from beyond the arc, Memphis was hindered by a string of turnovers that prevented them from fully capitalizing on their perimeter success.
Overtime mirrored the intensity of regulation, with both sides trading baskets until the final possession. With the clock winding down and the game hanging in the balance, Edgecombe calmly rose from well beyond the arc and buried a 25-footer that sent the arena into celebration. A last-second attempt by Coward to force a second extra session fell short, allowing Philadelphia to secure the much-needed victory.
The win snapped a three-game losing streak and offered a timely reminder of the team’s depth, resilience, and emerging young talent. For fans following every twist of the season, ongoing coverage, analysis, and updates on the team can be found through Explore New Jersey’s Philadelphia 76ers section, which continues to track the franchise’s progress and pivotal performances.
Philadelphia now moves forward with renewed momentum, buoyed by a rookie’s fearless shot and the steady leadership of its stars, in a season that continues to deliver drama well into the final seconds.
