VBA 2023 reaches full swing

Vietnam’s professional basketball tournament VBA 2023 is in full swing as fierce competition for the top 4 places grows. While Saigon Heat and Hanoi Buffaloes are proving their superior strength, Nha Trang Dolphins show signs of decline in form.
 

Dominique Tham of Nha Trang Dolphins dunks in the match against Thang Long Warriors (Source: VBA)

Saigon Heat and Hanoi Buffaloes are the two current leading teams on the table. With an impressive record of 10 wins and 1 loss, Saigon Heat are taking the top spot. Hanoi Buffaloes are second after 7 consecutive unbeaten matches. The most recent loss of Hanoi Buffaloes was the 60-97 defeat to Nha Trang Dolphins in the stage when all VBA 2023 teams played 21 games in Hanoi nearly 2 months ago. Since then, Hanoi Buffaloes with the joining of Nigerian American Udun Osakue, 1.98m tall have been performing more effectively and have claimed consecutive wins against strong opponents namely Saigon Heat, Thang Long Warriors and Ho Chi Minh City Wings, etc. In a recent rematch against Nha Trang Dolphins in the 36th match day 1 week ago, Hanoi Buffaloes made a comeback win with score of 88 – 74, setting a record of 7 wins in a row.

Meanwhile, Nha Trang Dolphins, after impressive performances last stage, cannot maintain their good form. They have conceded consecutive defeats to the teams of lower positions such as Thang Long Warriors and Ho Chi Minh City Wings. In the recent match against Thang Long Warriors, Nha Trang Dolphins, who had been rated higher, missed many scoring chances and conceded an 83-86 loss. This loss saw Nha Trang Dolphins lose 3rd place to Thang Long Warriors and drop to 4th place. This was the third loss in a row of Nha Trang Dolphins in their 6 consecutive away matches. Coach Predrag Lukic's and his players have a lot to do in the sprint stage of the season in order to reach the top 4 to qualify for the semi-finals.

According to the schedule, from now until the end of the group stage (scheduled for early September), Nha Trang Dolphins will have 5 matches, all of which are played at their home ground at Nha Trang University. On August 11 night, they will receive Saigon Heat. This is their third clash in the group stage. In the previous 2 clashes, Nha Trang Dolphins lost to Saigon Heat with scores of 79 - 85 and 90 – 94. Hopefully, this time, Nha Trang Dolphins can take home advantage and secure a good result to keep their hope for a spot in the top 4 alive.

An Nhien
Translated by H.N