Cam Payne’s career-high 32 points leads 76ers comeback victory over Grizzlies 139-129

Cameron Payne delivered the performance of his career on Tuesday night, scoring 32 points on perfect shooting to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 139-129 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. The veteran guard made all eight of his 3-point attempts and finished 9-of-10 from the field overall, adding 10 assists, three steals and two blocks in just 30 minutes off the bench.

Kelly Oubre Jr. provided excellent support with 31 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie VJ Edgecombe contributed 21 points in his return from a lumbar contusion that had sidelined him for three consecutive games. Quentin Grimes added 22 points as the 76ers avoided their fifth loss in six games despite being severely short-handed.

76ers overcome adversity with key players sidelined

Philadelphia faced significant challenges before tip-off, announcing that All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey will miss at least three more weeks due to a tendon injury on the small finger of his right hand. The team was also without Joel Embiid, who missed his fifth straight game with a right oblique strain, and Paul George, who is serving a 25-game suspension for violating the NBA‘s anti-drug program.

Edgecombe stepped up admirably in Maxey’s absence, taking over point guard duties and providing the game’s highlight with a spectacular two-handed, leaping dunk midway through the second quarter that demonstrated his back was fully healthy.

The Grizzlies appeared poised for victory when Ty Jerome‘s 3-pointer put them ahead 115-107 with 9:34 remaining in the fourth quarter. However, Philadelphia responded with a devastating 21-2 run that completely changed the game’s complexion. Memphis went scoreless for nearly three and a half minutes while the 76ers scored 12 consecutive points, with Payne‘s seventh 3-pointer of the night putting Philadelphia ahead 119-115.

The rally continued as Dominick Barlow‘s three-point play extended the lead to 128-117 with 4:56 remaining. Memphis’s frustration boiled over late in the game, with Jerome being ejected after receiving two technical fouls with 1:18 left on the clock.

Jerome led the Grizzlies with 26 points and eight assists, while GG Jackson contributed 15 points and Cedric Coward recorded 13 points and 16 rebounds. However, Memphis’s injury woes proved too much to overcome, as they had more players unavailable (11) than in uniform (10). The loss dropped the Grizzlies to 12 defeats in their last 15 games and left them seven games behind the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.