VJ Edgecombe hit a three-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime, lifting the Philadelphia 76ers to a 139-136 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. The rookie, drafted third in the 2025 NBA draft, delivered the decisive shot after a tight game.
Nick Nurse praised the composure that Edgecombe showed in that moment and across the night. The rookie logged 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and one block, while making five of 10 three-point attempts in a strong all-round performance.
The final play initially looked designed for Tyrese Maxey, but the Memphis defence trapped the guard. That double-team left Edgecombe free beyond the arc, and the rookie took the pass and scored. Edgecombe later said the shot came slightly earlier
than first planned, but accepted the result.
| Player | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| VJ Edgecombe | Philadelphia 76ers | 25 |
| Tyrese Maxey | Philadelphia 76ers | 34 |
| Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | 34 |
| Paul George | Philadelphia 76ers | 17 |
THIS ROOKIE IS READY FOR THE BRIGHT LIGHTS! pic.twitter.com/wMgWuZrDr4Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 31, 2025
Nurse focused on Edgecombe’s calm nature after the win. "It's a big shot, Nurse said. Obviously, a game winner for a rookie is pretty cool. 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 described what went through his mind as the clock ticked down. "To be honest, I was actually trying to go when the buzzer [went] off, but it was a little bit too early, Edgecombe said. But it went in, and that's all that matters. My teammates have faith in us to make a play, and that's what happened. " Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid each scored 34 points, with Paul George adding 17, as the Philadelphia 76ers improved their record to 17-14.
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