Edgecombe’s Clutch 3 Lifts 76ers 139-136 Over Grizzlies/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Rookie VJ Edgecombe hit a dramatic 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime to give the Philadelphia 76ers a 139-136 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The third overall draft pick finished with 25 points in the win. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey also scored 34 points each for Philadelphia.
VJ Edgecombe OT Winner Quick Looks
- Rookie guard VJ Edgecombe scored the game-winning 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining in overtime.
- The 76ers defeated the Grizzlies 139-136 in Memphis on Tuesday night.
- Edgecombe, the No. 3 pick in the 2025 draft, scored 25 points total.
- He had 13 points in the fourth quarter, including clutch three-pointers.
- His late-game heroics helped erase a Memphis lead and force overtime.
- Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each scored 34 points for the Sixers.
- Paul George contributed 17 points to the Philadelphia offense.
- Ja Morant tied the game at 136 with 18.3 seconds left in OT.
- Edgecombe’s poise and calm under pressure impressed head coach Nick Nurse.
- The rookie is averaging 15.5 points per game this season.
Edgecombe’s Clutch 3 Lifts 76ers 139-136 Over Grizzlies
Deep Look
Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe delivered a signature moment early in his career, draining a deep 3-pointer with just 1.7 seconds left in overtime to secure a thrilling 139-136 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
The 6-foot-4 guard out of Baylor wasn’t trying to shoot that early — but he’s not complaining. “To be honest, I was actually trying to go when the buzzer went off, but it was a little bit too early,” Edgecombe said postgame. “But it went in, and that’s all that matters.”
Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, finished the night with 25 points. His late-game scoring was especially critical, as he posted 13 of those points in the fourth quarter. His energy and shooting helped Philadelphia erase a Memphis lead, including going 3-for-4 from beyond the arc in that pivotal stretch.
He was at the center of the Sixers’ rally down the stretch. Back-to-back three-pointers around the four-minute mark brought Philadelphia back into contention. A long-range jumper with under two minutes left in regulation gave the 76ers a 128-121 lead. However, Memphis, led by star guard Ja Morant, closed the gap and tied the game at 128, forcing overtime.
In the extra period, both teams traded baskets until Morant tied the game once again at 136 with a driving layup with 18.3 seconds left. That set up Edgecombe’s final shot — a 25-foot jumper that hit nothing but net with 1.7 seconds left.
“My teammates have faith in us to make a play, and that’s what happened,” Edgecombe said, crediting the trust he’s earned in the locker room.
Veteran stars carried the scoring load alongside the rookie. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey each scored 34 points, while Paul George added 17. Their consistent offensive production throughout the game kept Philadelphia within reach until Edgecombe’s explosive finish.
Head coach Nick Nurse praised the rookie’s cool demeanor and basketball IQ under pressure. “It’s a big shot,” Nurse said. “Obviously, a game-winner for a rookie is pretty cool.”
Nurse continued to highlight Edgecombe’s rare poise, stating, “He’s kind of like that all the time. I never see him show much emotion. I think it’s an incredible quality. He just plays the game.”
Edgecombe is averaging 15.5 points per game so far in his debut NBA season. He’s quickly becoming a reliable contributor in Philadelphia’s rotation and appears to be maturing well beyond his years. His shooting touch, calm execution, and late-game confidence have impressed both coaches and teammates.
For a franchise trying to maximize its championship window with Joel Embiid in his prime, young talent like Edgecombe is critical. Tuesday’s win not only kept the Sixers strong in the Eastern Conference race but also may mark the beginning of a breakout for their rookie sensation.
The Grizzlies, meanwhile, showed grit in rallying behind Morant but couldn’t overcome the Sixers’ final possession. It was a hard-fought contest, but Edgecombe made sure the last word belonged to Philadelphia.
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