Key Takeaways:
- VJ Edgecombe secured the winning basket with 0.9 seconds remaining
- Tyrese Maxey contributed 35 points and a decisive last-second block to seal the 76ers’ 99-98 triumph
- The Warriors overcame a 24-point deficit despite being without Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, and losing Draymond Green to injury
Dramatic Finish Sees Rookie Edgecombe Rise to the Occasion
The Philadelphia 76ers edged out the Golden State Warriors 99-98 in a thrilling contest on Thursday night, capped by rookie VJ Edgecombe’s put-back basket with only 0.9 seconds left on the clock. Tyrese Maxey, who tallied 35 points for the 76ers, missed a late jumper, but Edgecombe reacted swiftly to tip in the decisive score. The Warriors had a final opportunity as De’Anthony Melton sprinted downcourt for a potential game-winner, only for Maxey to chase back and block the attempt off the backboard as time expired.
SIXERS WIN. @cryptocom pic.twitter.com/jGhhkwyxe2
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 5, 2025
Key Absences and Comebacks Shape the Night
Philadelphia welcomed back Joel Embiid, who contributed 12 points in his return to the lineup. The visiting Warriors played without their two top scorers, Stephen Curry (left quad contusion) and Jimmy Butler (left knee soreness), and suffered another setback as Draymond Green exited late in the second quarter after injuring his right foot. Nevertheless, Pat Spencer stepped up with 16 points, helping Golden State rally from 24 points down.
The Warriors also received a boost as Melton made his season debut following a torn ACL, scoring 14 points. The 76ers were missing Paul George (left knee injury recovery) and will now head to Milwaukee for the second half of a back-to-back fixture on Friday night.
Game Flow and Statistical Highlights
Tyrese Maxey’s three-pointer extended the 76ers’ lead to 67-43 with 8:06 remaining in the third quarter. However, Golden State responded with a determined 15-0 run at the start of the fourth, putting themselves back in contention. In the closing seconds, Edgecombe also notched a crucial steal on an inbounds pass with 8.2 seconds left, swinging momentum back in Philadelphia’s favour.
| Team | Key Player Performances | Missing Players | Next Fixture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers | Tyrese Maxey: 35 pts Joel Embiid: 12 pts VJ Edgecombe: Game-winning basket | Paul George (left knee injury recovery) | At Milwaukee on Friday night |
| Golden State Warriors | Pat Spencer: 16 pts De’Anthony Melton: 14 pts (season debut) | Stephen Curry (left quad contusion) Jimmy Butler (left knee soreness) Draymond Green (right foot injury) | At Cleveland on Saturday night |
Upcoming Fixtures
- The Warriors will take on Cleveland on Saturday night
- The 76ers will travel to Milwaukee for a Friday night encounter
