76ers rally past Grizzlies 139-129 as Cam Payne scores 32 and Memphis shorthanded again

Philadelphia closes with a decisive fourth quarter to complete a season sweep

The Philadelphia 76ers erased a second-half deficit Tuesday, March 10, 2026, rallying to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 139-129 in Philadelphia. The game turned on a late surge led by guard Cam Payne, who scored 32 points and delivered 13 of them in the fourth quarter as Philadelphia won the final period 45-25.

Memphis entered the night short-handed and again played with a limited rotation, a factor that became more pronounced as the pace and scoring escalated. The Grizzlies held a 104-94 lead after three quarters, but Philadelphia’s shot-making and free-throw volume flipped the game in the final 12 minutes.

Key performances and late-game swing

Payne’s scoring burst anchored a fourth-quarter comeback in which Philadelphia repeatedly generated paint touches and trips to the foul line. The 76ers finished 38-of-46 at the free-throw line, a significant edge in a game where both teams exceeded 49% shooting from the field.

• Cam Payne: 32 points, including a 13-point fourth quarter.
• Kelly Oubre Jr.: 30 points and 12 rebounds for Philadelphia.
• Quentin Grimes: 23 points as part of a balanced starting unit.
• Rookie VJ Edgecombe: 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in his return to the lineup.

Memphis’ offense was led by guard Ty Jerome, who scored 26 points and added eight assists, including four made 3-pointers. Forward Colby “C.J.” Coward recorded a double-double with 13 points and 16 rebounds, helping Memphis control stretches on the glass even as Philadelphia produced the more efficient closing possessions.

Availability issues shape rotations for both teams

Both clubs managed the game amid notable absences. Philadelphia played without center Joel Embiid, listed with a right oblique strain, and without Paul George due to league discipline. Memphis’ situation was more acute: the Grizzlies had 11 players unavailable and dressed 10, forcing expanded minutes and usage for the available group.

By the numbers: efficiency, free throws, and the final margin

Philadelphia shot 45-of-86 from the field and 11-of-31 from three-point range, while Memphis finished 48-of-97 and 17-of-43 from beyond the arc. The decisive statistical separator was at the line, where Philadelphia’s 46 attempts and 38 makes provided steady scoring when the Grizzlies’ defensive options narrowed late.

Philadelphia outscored Memphis by 20 points in the fourth quarter, converting the comeback into a 10-point win.

The result also completed a 2-0 season series win for Philadelphia against Memphis. For the Grizzlies, the loss underscored the difficulty of closing games while short-handed, particularly against a team able to generate late scoring through both perimeter creation and foul pressure.