VBA 2023: Nha Trang Dolphins’ hope for champion kept alive

Nha Trang Dolphins kept alive their hope of winning VNA 2023 after overcoming Saigon Heat in the third final game taking place at the sports arena of Nha Trang University (Nha Trang City) recently.

Nha Trang Dolphins defenders blocking attack from Saigon Heat

Saigon Heat were leading 2-0 after the first two games of the finals. They would have raised the trophy at the home court of Nha Trang Dolphins if they had won against the hosts in the third final game. As for Nha Trang Dolphins, it was hard to believe that they could revive, especially after their poor performance in the second final game at their home court. Nevertheless, a lot of people came to cheer for the home team. 

Spectators cheering for Nha Trang Dolphins

Nha Trang Dolphins made a good start, leading 11-7. Taking advantage of the disqualification of Nha Trang Dolphins’ key player Dominique Tham, who was sent off for 2 consecutive personal fouls, Kentrell Barkley of Saigon Heat scored points to put the away team ahead at 17-13. However, the two domestic experienced players Huynh Vinh Quang and Vo Huy Hoan of the host team displayed incredible performances, scoring 12 points to help Nha Trang Dolphins end the first set at 25-17.

Dominique Tham making a dunk

In the second and third sets, the return of dynamic and energetic 1.95m-Dominique Tham helped the home team's defense become stronger. Kentrell Barkley, Hassan Thomas and Nguyen Huynh Phu Vinh of Saigon Heat combined together to score and block attacks from Nha Trang Dolphins. Learning from previous losses to Saigon Heat, coach Predrag Lukic and Nha Trang Dolphins players knew how to prevent the revival of Saigon Heat through the surprising attacks from two wings of Phuc Vinh. The third set ended 74-64 for Nha Trang Dolphins.

Foreign players Dominique Tham and Madarious Gibbs play excellently in this match

In the fourth set, the intelligent play and competence of the 2022 VBA champion Madarious Gibbs helped Nha Trang Dolphins score many points. Meanwhile, Dominique Tham showed no signs of tiredness. He kept playing excellently and made the game beyond the control of Saigon Heat. Finally, Nha Trang Dolphins won 95-74.

Spectators celebrating the win of Nha Trang Dolphins

Dominique Tham was named Player of the Game with 28 points and 18 rebounds. Other players of Nha Trang Dolphins Madarious Gibbs scored 25 points and made 9 assists; Huynh Vinh Quang had 20 points. The excellence of the trio Huynh Vinh Quang, Vo Huy Hoan and Nguyen Phuc Vinh contributed much to the improvement of Nha Trang Dolphins in this match.

The fourth game of the finals will take place at the court of Saigon Heat.

An Nhien

Translated by H.N