Nha Trang Dolphins extend winning streak

Nha Trang Dolphins won over Ho Chi Minh City Wings with a score of 89-81 in a recent match of Vietnam’s professional basketball tournament VBA at Khanh Hoa sports arena, thereby increasing their winning streak to 3. 

Nha Trang Dolphins played that home rematch against Ho Chi Minh City Wings without head coach Todd Purves, who had been suspended after accumulating three technical fouls. Assistant coach Nguyen Tran Minh Tri took over as interim coach.

Vietnamese-American player Max Allen (right) of Nha Trang Dolphins team blocking an attack

In this match, Nha Trang Dolphins' starting lineup once again featured Vietnamese-American player Max Allen besides their core players. Visitors Ho Chi Minh City Wings stuck to their usual line-up with their strongest shooters, including foreign duo Dakota Zinser and Yevgen Sakhniuk, and key player Dau Trung Kien. In the first two quarters, Nha Trang Dolphins dominated, effectively leveraging their home-court advantage and tight defense provided by their two centers over 2m tall, Mykal Jenkins and Max Allen. At times, the home team consistently held a lead of more than 10 points over their opponents. Their key offensive players namely Huynh Vinh Quang and Mykal Jenkins got better with every play, continually scoring points with drives to the basket and three-point shots.

Ho Chi Minh City Wings' shooters struggled with their inside attacks, forcing them to move outside and try their luck with long-range shots. This timely adjustment in their play style together with outstanding performances of Nathan Triet Huynh and Khoa Tran helped the visitors gradually regain balance. By the end of three quarters, Ho Chi Minh City Wings were trailing the home team Nha Trang Dolphins by just one point (score: 61-62).

The final quarter saw an exhilarating back-and-forth between the two teams. Interim coach Nguyen Tran Minh Tri, recognizing the visitors’ waning energy and aiming to break the deadlock, reverted to defensive, counter-attacking style, their strategy in the early first quarter. The return of Vietnamese-American center Max Allen to the defense allowed the remaining key players of Nha Trang Dolphins, led by Mykal Jenkins, to attack with full force, take lead and consistently extend the gap. Finally, Nha Trang Dolphins ultimately clinched a thrilling home win a final score of 89-81.

Jaylyn Richardson of Nha Trang Dolphins earned Player of the Game title with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Meanwhile, even with just 19 minutes of play, Max Allen significantly contributed to Nha Trang Dolphins' overall dominance throughout most of the match. With this win, Nha Trang Dolphins extended their impressive winning streak to 3. 

After this match, the positions of Nha Trang Dolphins and Ho Chi Minh City Wings on the rankings remained the same. Nha Trang Dolphins (7 wins, 5 losses) are ranking 4th, approaching their goal of a third consecutive play-off appearance. Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City Wings (1 win, 12 losses) are staying at 7th, which officially knocks them out of the championship race.

 AN NHIEN
Translated by H.N