NBA Edgecombe OT-Winner As 76ers Edge Grizzlies In A Thrilling Overtime Showdown

Three standout NBA performances headlined Tuesday’s schedule, as VJ Edgecombe hit a decisive overtime 3-pointer for the Philadelphia 76ers, Kawhi Leonard kept the Los Angeles Clippers’ surge going, and the Detroit Pistons spoiled LeBron James’ 41st birthday with a strong second-half display against the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 76ers ended a three-game losing run with a 139-136 overtime win against the Memphis Grizzlies, the Clippers pushed their winning streak to a season-best five games by overwhelming the Sacramento Kings 131-90, and Detroit closed a five-game road swing at 3-2 after pulling away from the Lakers 128-106.

Edgecombe, selected third overall in this year’s draft, delivered the night’s defining moment. The rookie guard drained a tie-breaking

3-pointer with 1.7 seconds left in overtime, sealing Philadelphia’s win. Edgecombe hit five 3-pointers in total and produced 25 points, six rebounds, four assists and four steals in another strong all-round display.

Joel Embiid backed Edgecombe with one of the most complete stat lines of Embiid’s season. Embiid recorded 34 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, while Tyrese Maxey matched the scoring output with 34 points and handed out 12 assists. The trio’s combined production carried the 76ers, who had entered the game under pressure after three straight defeats.

Ja Morant led Memphis with a season-high 40 points, converting 16 of 22 field-goal attempts. Morant also scored the final four points of regulation for either team to force the extra period. Rookie Cedric Coward added 28 points and 16 rebounds but missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer that would have forced a second overtime.

Leonard’s form stayed strong as the Clippers dominated Sacramento. Leonard finished with 33 points, adding five rebounds, five assists and three steals while shooting 11-for-19 from the field. Leonard scored 26 points before half-time, allowing Los Angeles to ease off later after establishing a comfortable margin and maintaining control of the contest.

Leonard’s display followed a 55-point outing on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons, which tied the franchise scoring record. Over the Clippers’ current five-game winning streak, Leonard is averaging 37.8 points and 8.8 rebounds while hitting 46.5% of 3-point attempts. The surge has helped the Clippers recover from a 6-21 start that surprised many observers.

James Harden supported Leonard with 21 points as the Clippers’ offence proved too strong for a short-handed Kings side. Nique Clifford led Sacramento with 18 points off the bench, but the Kings again missed Domantas Sabonis and Zach LaVine, who remain sidelined through injury concerns affecting rotation balance and frontcourt depth.

NBA: Pistons defeat Lakers on James' birthday

In Los Angeles, James marked turning 41 with 17 points, four rebounds and four assists. James became the 12th player in NBA history to appear in a game at age 41 or older, extending James’ record to a 23rd NBA season, but the milestone occasion ended in defeat for the veteran forward and the Lakers.

Cade Cunningham steered Detroit with 27 points and 11 assists, controlling the tempo in the second half. Marcus Sasser came off the bench to contribute 19 points as the Pistons pulled away after half-time and closed their road trip with three wins. Luka Doni scored 30 points for the Lakers, who have dropped four of their last five games.

The night across the NBA delivered major scoring performances and key team responses. Philadelphia relied on Edgecombe’s late composure to halt a slide, the Clippers kept riding Leonard’s scoring streak to repair early-season damage, and Detroit backed Cunningham’s leadership to finish a demanding journey while handing the struggling Lakers another setback.