76ers Rally Past Grizzlies 139-129 Despite Key Absences

Cam Payne and rookie VJ Edgecombe lead Philadelphia's comeback win.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 1:50am

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The Philadelphia 76ers rallied from a late deficit to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 139-129 on Tuesday night, despite missing several key players including All-Star Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Cam Payne scored 13 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter to lead the comeback, while rookie VJ Edgecombe added 21 points in his return to the lineup. Kelly Oubre Jr. also had a big game for the 76ers with 31 points and 12 rebounds.

Why it matters

The 76ers' victory over the struggling Grizzlies, who have lost 12 of their last 15 games, keeps Philadelphia in the hunt for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference despite their injury woes. The performance of young players like Edgecombe also provides hope for the 76ers' future as they navigate the absence of Maxey and Embiid.

The details

The 76ers trailed by as many as eight points in the fourth quarter before rallying, with Payne scoring 13 of his 32 points in the final period. Rookie VJ Edgecombe, who was returning from a lumbar contusion, provided a spark off the bench with 21 points, including a highlight-reel dunk in the second quarter. The Grizzlies' Ty Jerome scored 26 points in the loss, but was ejected late in the game after receiving two technical fouls.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Cam Payne

A 32-point performance, including 13 points in the fourth quarter, led the 76ers' comeback.

VJ Edgecombe

The 76ers' rookie point guard scored 21 points in his return to the lineup after missing three games with a lumbar contusion.

Kelly Oubre Jr.

The 76ers' forward had a double-double with 31 points and 12 rebounds.

Ty Jerome

The Grizzlies' guard scored 26 points in the loss, but was ejected late in the game.

Tyrese Maxey

The 76ers' All-Star guard was sidelined for at least three weeks due to a tendon injury on the small finger of his right hand.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.