The Philadelphia 76ers signed one of their most exciting victories of the season with a 139-136 overtime win over the Memphis Grizzlies, thanks to a decisive three-pointer by rookie VJ Edgecombe with just 1.7 seconds left in overtime. The Bahamian’s shot neutralized a stellar performance by Ja Morant, who finished with 40 points on a high-voltage night at FedExForum.
The match was a true duel of stars, intensity and drama, with constant alternations on the scoreboard and multiple opportunities for both teams to decide the match before extra time.
Morant leads, but not enough
Rese beats the clock! 👏 pic.twitter.com/8CQa7cOa1c
– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 31, 2025
Ja Morant showed again why he is the soul of Memphis.
The point guard scored 18 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Grizzlies (15-18) comeback and sustaining the team in the most difficult moments.
Their offensive aggressiveness and ability to attack the rim kept Philadelphia on the ropes for much of the lockout.
Along with Morant, Cedric Coward had an outstanding performance with 28 points and 16 rebounds, becoming a key player on both sides of the court.
Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Jaylen Wells added 14.
Spain’s Santi Aldama also played an important role.
The Canary Islander power forward finished with 15 points, 6 rebounds, 4 blocks and 2 assists, and came very close to being the hero in regulation time, but his three-point attempt at the buzzer missed the rim, sending the game into overtime.
Edgecombe, the rookie who won’t hide
ALL STAR HIM! 🗣️
34 PTS | 12 AST | 2 STL@PALottery pic.twitter.com/J37PaNwUBp
– Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 31, 2025
If Morant was the driving force for Memphis, VJ Edgecombe was the unexpected factor that changed history.
The 76ers’ Bahamian rookie scored 25 points, 13 of them in the last quarter, and once again showed his coolness in the decisive moments.
His triple from more than 7.5 meters, with the clock almost at zero in overtime, confirmed a trend: Edgecombe is starting to specialize in big shots despite his short NBA experience.
The Grizzlies still had one last chance to force a second overtime, but Coward’s shot after touching the rim fell short, sealing the home defeat.
Philadelphia’s Big Three responds
For the 76ers (17-14), the victory also had strategic value.
Coach Nick Nurse was able to field his expected Big Three, and the formula worked.
Joel Embiid signed a dominant night with 34 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists, showing leadership and total presence in the paint.
Tyrese Maxey matched with 34 points and 12 assists, being key in the offensive creation, while Paul George added 17 points, providing balance and experience.
An intense night, full of emotions, that reminded us why the NBA continues to be the best show in world basketball.
Filed under: Philadelphia 76ers vs Memphis Grizzlies