V.J. Edgecombe battles down stretch but Nuggets edge 76ers 125-124 in overtime thriller with controversial goaltending call

V.J. Edgecombe battled down the stretch, but the Denver Nuggets edged the Philadelphia 76ers with a dramatic 125-124 overtime victory on January 5, 2026. Bruce Brown‘s contested layup with 5.3 seconds remaining in OT proved decisive after a controversial goaltending call on Joel Embiid. The short-handed Nuggets, missing their entire starting lineup including Nikola Jokic, pulled off one of the season’s most shocking upsets at home.

Edgecombe Battles Hard as Sixers Fall Short in Overtime

V.J. Edgecombe, the No. 3 overall draft pick, delivered crucial plays late for the 76ers despite the heartbreaking loss. The rookie sensation hit a crucial 3-pointer with 49 seconds left in regulation to make it 120-118, setting the stage for Tyrese Maxey‘s driving layup that tied the game at 120-all and forced overtime.

In the extra period, Edgecombe gave Philadelphia their final lead with a dunk just before Brown‘s controversial game-winner. His efforts throughout the night showcased the rookie’s sensational season, but it ultimately wasn’t enough to overcome the Nuggets‘ resilience.

Pickett Leads Short-Handed Nuggets to Shocking Victory

Jalen Pickett was the star performer for Denver, scoring 29 points to lead the way against the 76ers. Peyton Watson added 24 points, while Bruce Brown chipped in 19 points including the controversial game-winning layup. Despite playing without their entire regular starting lineup, the Nuggets had only nine available players but refused to use injuries as an excuse.

Hunter Tyson converted a four-point play that gave Denver a 102-100 lead in the fourth quarter, sparking a decisive 14-0 run that helped the Nuggets stay in control.

Controversial Goaltending Call Decides the Game

The decisive moment came when Joel Embiid was whistled for a goaltending infraction while defending Brown‘s running layup with just 5.3 seconds left in overtime. The call handed the victory to Denver and left the 76ers devastated, as Tyrese Maxey‘s potential game-winning floater missed at the buzzer.

“The short-handed Nuggets refused to use their lighter roster as an excuse to pack it in against the Sixers.”

— CBS Sports, Game Analysis

What Does This Stunning Upset Mean for Both Teams Going Forward?

Denver‘s victory marked a remarkable resilience despite playing without Nikola Jokic (out with a hyperextended left knee), Jamal Murray, and most of their starting lineup. The Nuggets improved to 24-12 with the win and continue their quest for playoff positioning despite significant injury challenges.

Philadelphia suffered a bitter setback after returning from a productive 3-2 road trip. The 76ers now stand at 19-15 and must regroup quickly before hosting Washington on Wednesday. Joel Embiid‘s 32 points and Tyrese Maxey‘s 28 points were excellent performances, but the controversial final sequence will sting for Philadelphia fans.

Up Next: Eastern and Western Conference Matchups

Denver travels to face Boston on Wednesday night, while the 76ers aim for revenge at home against Washington. Both teams will use their next contests to shift momentum after an overtime thriller that will undoubtedly be discussed throughout the NBA community.

Sources

• Associated Press (AP) – Official game recap and statistics
• CBS Sports – Game analysis and player performance breakdown
• NBA.com – Box scores and official game information

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.