76ers Snap Slide: V.J. Edgecombe’s Late-Game Heroics Deliver Overtime Win
In a game that felt more like a playoff battle than a December matchup, the Philadelphia 76ers found their hero in the youngest player on the floor. Rookie V.J. Edgecombe knocked down a contested 25 foot three pointer with just 1.7 seconds remaining in overtime, lifting the 76ers to a 139-136 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. The win was a much needed reprieve for Philadelphia, snapping a three game losing streak and showcasing the poise of their third overall pick on a night when the stars on both sides shone brightly.
The Rookie Takes Center Stage
While veterans Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey carried the scoring load for much of the night, the fourth quarter and overtime belonged to Edgecombe. The former Baylor standout finished with 25 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter alone. Despite battling early foul trouble that limited his minutes in the first half, Edgecombe remained aggressive when it mattered most.
The game winner was a moment of pure confidence. After Ja Morant tied the game at 136 with a spectacular left handed layup with 18.3 seconds left, the Sixers opted not to call a timeout. Maxey brought the ball up and found Edgecombe on the wing. With the clock winding down, the rookie stepped back and launched a high arcing shot that found nothing but net. Memphis had one last chance, but Cedric Coward’s desperate attempt at the buzzer fell short, sealing the win for Philadelphia.
Embiid and Maxey Provide the Foundation
The 76ers’ victory was made possible by the return of Joel Embiid, who missed the previous game due to a right ankle sprain. Embiid looked every bit the dominant force, tallying 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. His presence in the paint forced the Grizzlies to double team, which opened up lanes for Tyrese Maxey. Maxey matched Embiid with 34 points of his own, while also dishing out 12 assists in a tireless 43 minute performance.
The chemistry between Embiid and Maxey was evident from the tip off. Philadelphia surged to an early lead, and the duo combined for 43 points in the first half alone. However, the Grizzlies’ defensive adjustments in the third quarter slowed the pace, setting the stage for the dramatic late game back and forth that eventually required an extra five minutes of play.
Ja Morant’s Heroic Effort Falls Short
On the other side, Memphis was led by an unstoppable Ja Morant. The Grizzlies’ star point guard finished with a game high 40 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter to lead a furious comeback. Memphis trailed by six with under four minutes remaining in regulation, but Morant sparked a 7-0 run, punctuated by a four point play from Jaren Jackson Jr., to force overtime.
The Grizzlies also saw a breakout performance from rookie Cedric Coward, who recorded career highs with 28 points and 16 rebounds. Coward’s energy on the glass gave Memphis multiple second chance opportunities, keeping the home crowd energized throughout the night. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 15 points and 12 rebounds but struggled with shooting efficiency against the length of Embiid and Paul George.
Turning Point and Tactical Success
The game was a statistical mirror image, with both teams shooting over 45% from the field. The difference came down to ball security and perimeter shooting. While Memphis out rebounded Philadelphia 51-41, their 11 turnovers proved costly in a three point game. The 76ers, meanwhile, hit 15 three pointers, with Edgecombe and Maxey accounting for nine of them.
Head coach Nick Nurse praised his team’s resilience after the game, specifically noting the growth of Edgecombe. Nurse remarked that many rookies would have hesitated to take that final shot after a night of foul trouble, but Edgecombe’s "NBA ready" mentality allowed him to move past the early struggles. The win moves Philadelphia to 17-14 on the season as they continue their challenging five game road trip.