The 76ers Put Down the Grizzlies in a Thrilling Overtime Game
It was an exhilarating thriller as the Philadelphia 76ers edged out the Memphis Grizzlies with a 139-136 overtime victory. The game showcased the emergence of a rookie hero and the long-awaited synergy of Philadelphia’s new big three. Before this game, the trio of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George had struggled, going winless in their previous games together. This victory marked their first win together as a unit. No other Sixer was more impressive than rookie VJ Edgecombe, who demonstrated why he is considered the future of 76ers basketball.
Edgecombe’s Arrival Game as a Sixer
In a remarkable display of composure, the rookie demonstrated exceptional skill and determination throughout the game against one of the league's elite players, Ja Morant. He contributed significantly with 25 points, including 13 points in the crucial fourth quarter, and executed a game-winning three-pointer with just 1.7 seconds remaining in overtime. Despite facing early foul challenges, he maintained an aggressive approach, showcasing his relentless drive. His shooting performance included five successful three-point shots out of ten attempts. This consistent display of talent positions him as a serious contender for the Rookie of the Year Award. As the third overall pick in this year’s draft, he is undoubtedly making an impact on the performance of other rookies with his mature play and fearless drives to the basket. The inability to double-team both Embiid and Maxey forces opposing defenses to make difficult decisions, which is likely to contribute to the team's success moving forward.
Turnovers Took Out the Grizzlies
Despite an impressive performance from Ja Morant, who scored 40 points, the Memphis Grizzlies struggled offensively, receiving substantial support solely from rookie Cedric Coward, who had a breakout game with 28 points and 16 rebounds. The Grizzlies continue to face challenges in the absence of key players, such as Zach Eddy and Vince Williams Jr. Their defensive performance allowed the Philadelphia 76ers, a team without many premier scorers, to score nearly 140 points. The Sixers' effective ball protection, evidenced by only eight turnovers, enabled them to withstand a late Memphis rally that erased a six-point lead in the final minutes of regulation. The Grizzlies are set to travel to Los Angeles for back-to-back games against both the Lakers and the Clippers, while the 76ers will proceed to Dallas to continue their road trip.
