10:54, 21/09/2023

VBA 2023 finals: Nha Trang Dolphins lose first game to Saigon Heat

H.N

Nha Trang Dolphins entered the first game of the final round of VBA 2023 with high spirit and zeal after their consecutive wins in the preliminary and semi-final rounds, playing against defending champions Saigon Heat. Nha Trang Dolphins displayed quite well but finally lost to the opponents in a 95-98 thrilling clash.

Both Nha Trang Dolphins and Saigon Heat defeated their opponents in the first two games of the total three. Therefore, with the best-of-three format of the semi-finals, they had had a break for nearly one week before entering the final rounds. In the first final game, Saigon Heat could play at their home court at CIS International School, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City with rousing cheers from their supporters thanks to their better result in the preliminary round. Meanwhile, the visitors Nha Trang Dolphins joined the game with effervescence and recent impressive form of the players.

First final game between Saigon Heat and Nha Trang Dolphins (Source: VBA)
First final game between Saigon Heat and Nha Trang Dolphins (Source: VBA)

Nha Trang Dolphins started the game better with good performances of their key players and outstanding play of domestic players Huynh Vinh Quang and Nguyen Phuc Vinh. Flexible play in attacking helped the visitors led 45-34 after the second set. However, with competences of defending champions, Saigon Heat turned the table in the third and fourth set. The excellence of domestic duo Vo Kim Ban and Nguyen Huynh Phu Vinh and key foreign duo Kentrell Barkley and Tim Waale helped the home team continuously score points and leveled the score 78-78 at the end of the fourth set, forcing the game to overtime periods.

The result was still inconclusive in the first overtime period; therefore, the two finalists had to play second overtime. This was also the first time in this year’s tournament a game has gone into second overtime period. Nha Trang Dolphins with equal competence level of players still led the score. However, with just over 35 seconds left on the clock, Vo Kim Ban once again showed the level of the number one player of the tournament with an accurate three-point shot to put Saigon Heat ahead at 97-95. In the remaining seconds, Nha Trang Dolphins had three opportunities to level the score, but under great pressure, they failed to score any. Finally, after two tense overtime periods, Saigon Heat won the game 98-95.

Kentrell Barkley of Saigon Heat was named Player of the Game with 33 points, 21 rebounds and 7 assists. Other players of Saigon Heat namely Hassan Thomas and Nguyen Huynh Phu Vinh had 22 points each; Vo Kim Ban scored 14 points. The three key players of Nha Trang Dolphins scored at least 22 points each. The second final game takes place at the home court of Nha Trang Dolphins at 7:30pm on September 21.

The final round of VBA 2023 is played with best-of-five format, wherein one must win three games to win the championship. 


An Nhien
Translated by H.N