The Philadelphia 76ers snapped a 24‑point deficit in the final seconds of a game against the Warriors, with rookie VJ Edgecombe delivering a 0.9‑second put‑back layup that proved to be the first career game‑winner in his NBA debut.
Edgecombe’s Moment of Brilliance
Edgecombe did not hesitate when De’Anthony Melton blocked Tyrese Maxey’s jumper. He reacted first, positioning himself for the rebound and securing the ball with 0.9 seconds left on the clock.
A Clutch Rebound
His rebound was not a fluke. Edgecombe averages 1.9 offensive rebounds per game, second among rookies only to Hornets center Ryan Kalkbrenner, and has recorded an offensive board in 16 of his 18 games.
Athleticism and Instinct
“I’m athletic,” Edgecombe said. “Just try to use my athleticism. The shot goes up, people tend to relax. I’m a victim of it. So I know the opportunity is going to present itself for me to grab the board. And like I said, I can jump, so I just try to jump before them, to be honest.”
Maxey’s Post‑Game Reaction
After the game, Maxey sat to Edgecombe’s left at the post‑game press‑conference podium. Instead of celebrating the win, he chased down Melton and blocked his layup attempt on the other end at the buzzer.
Maxey on Melton
Maxey said, “Honestly, I just didn’t want him to call me in a couple minutes saying he beat us.” He added that Melton had been at his house for two or three hours, “just chopping it up and talking about life.”
Maxey’s Scoring
Maxey posted 35 points in the game, adding to the Sixers’ 12‑9 record.
Edgecombe’s Game‑Day Stats
Edgecombe finished with 10 points, six rebounds, five assists, three steals, and five turnovers in 24 minutes, his third game back after a left calf injury.
Coach Nick Nurse’s Praise
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse said, “He’s had some of these games where he just hasn’t done much, and then down the stretch he’ll hit a big three, get a big rebound.” He continued, “I just thought, ‘Let’s go back with him and maybe he’ll make a play.’ He’s got a nose for the ball and he’s got a nose for what’s going on out there. Even though he’s a rookie, he can make those plays.”
The Timeout Steal
The game‑winning chance came after Edgecombe stole Pat Spencer’s in‑bounds pass and called a timeout with 8.2 seconds left.
Edgecombe on Defensive Instincts
He explained, “Just watching basketball, to be honest. I knew how much time they had to inbound the ball and I knew they had no timeouts left. He had to throw the ball somewhere and everyone was just contesting that one little spot. I just dove on the ball.”
Reading the Opponent
Edgecombe added, “It’s more just reading their eyes because people tend to telegraph their passes a lot. So just trying to read their eyes and make a quick play on the ball.”
Clutch Performance Summary
In the NBA’s definition of “clutch” – the final five minutes of games within five points – Edgecombe has played 54 minutes, shot 10 of 13 from the field, 4 of 6 from three, collected 11 rebounds, and dished seven assists.
Edgecombe on Winning
“I just want to win,” he said. “Whatever it takes for me to do that, I’ll do it. I don’t care about (anything) else. If they need me to make a shot, I’m going to make the shot. If they need me to grab a rebound, I’ll grab the rebound. Get a steal, get a stop … I’ll do it. Whatever it takes to win, because winning feels great and losing (doesn’t).”
Sixers’ Current Record
With this victory, the Sixers now sit at 12‑9, continuing a late‑season surge that has kept them in playoff contention.
Edgecombe’s Background
Edgecombe, a 20‑year‑old guard, has shown a consistent ability to impact games in the final moments, making him a valuable asset for the Sixers’ young core.
Melton’s Return
Melton, who returned from a torn ACL, was praised by Maxey for his effort, noting that “He was at my house for two, three hours yesterday just chopping it up and talking about life.”
Future Outlook
While Edgecombe’s statistics have been modest in earlier games, his late‑game contributions have already begun to shape the narrative of the Sixers’ season.
Team Context
The 76ers’ ability to close games has been a key factor in their recent success, and Edgecombe’s performance exemplifies that resilience.
Key Takeaways
- VJ Edgecombe secured a 0.9‑second put‑back layup for his first career game‑winner.
- The Sixers overcame a 24‑point deficit to finish 12‑9.
- Edgecombe’s clutch stats include 10 of 13 shooting, 11 rebounds, and seven assists in critical moments.
The game‑winner not only highlighted Edgecombe’s athleticism and instincts but also underscored the Sixers’ capacity to rally in the face of adversity, setting the tone for the rest of the season.
