At a Glance
- Rookie VJ Edgecombe hit a 25-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds left to win OT.
- Philadelphia defeated Memphis 139-136.
- Edgecombe finished a 25-point night.
- Why it matters: The shot showcases a promising rookie and a turning point for the Sixers’ season.
In a thrilling overtime showdown, Philadelphia’s rookie guard VJ Edgecombe delivered a clutch 25-foot jumper that gave the Sixers a 139-136 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis on Tuesday night. The 6-ft-4 Baylor star finished a 25-point night, cementing his status as a rising star. The win comes after a dramatic comeback that saw the Sixers erase a Memphis advantage in the fourth quarter.
OT Clutch
Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 draft, scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 5 of 10 overall and 3 of 4 from beyond the arc. He connected on a 25-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds left. He admitted he was trying to shoot when the buzzer rang, but the ball still went in.
VJ Edgecombe said:
> “To be honest, I was actually trying to go when the buzzer (went) off, but it was a little bit too early. But it went in, and that’s all that matters.”
Key Players
The game featured strong performances from both teams.
- Tyrese Maxey – 34 points
- Joel Embiid – 34 points
- Paul George – 17 points
- Ja Morant – 18.3-second drive that tied the game at 136
A 3-pointer with 1:55 left in regulation gave the Sixers a 128-121 lead, but Memphis tied the game at 136 with 18.3 seconds left, sending the game into overtime.
Coaching Perspective
Sixers coach Nick Nurse praised the rookie’s composure.
Nick Nurse said:
> “It’s a big shot. Obviously, a game-winner for a rookie is pretty cool.”
Nick Nurse added:
> “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.”
| Team | Final Score |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 139 |
| Memphis | 136 |
Key Takeaways
- Edgecombe’s 25-foot jumper sealed a 139-136 overtime win.
- Philadelphia overcame a Memphis advantage with 13 points in the fourth quarter.
- Rookie’s calm demeanor and 25-point night signal a bright future for the Sixers.
The win gives Philadelphia momentum heading into the rest of the season, while Edgecombe’s poise under pressure may prove invaluable as the Sixers chase playoff contention.
