VBA Star X-2025: Nha Trang Dolphins progress to play-off round

Winning 2 away matches against Danang Dargons in the qualifying round of Vietnam’s professional basketball tournament, VBA Star X-2025, Nha Trang Dolphins won the last ticket to the play-off round.

Prior to the rematch between Danang Dragons and Nha Trang Dolphins in the final matches of the qualifying round, VBA Star-X 2025 had basically determined 3 playoff contenders, including Hanoi Buffaloes, Cantho Catfish and Saigon Heat. The last playoff spot of the season is the competition between Nha Trang Dolphins and Danang Dragons.

Nha Trang Dolphins (left) in a match against Danang Dragons

Compared to Danang Dragons, Nha Trang Dolphins held the advantage in tie-breakers with 10 wins and 5 losses. Meanwhile, Danang Dragons had 8 wins and 8 losses. Furthermore, in their previous clash at Khanh Hoa sports arena, Nha Trang Dolphins secured a convincing 86-72 victory over Danang Dragons.

In the 2ns match between the 2 squads at Danang Dragons' home court on August 22, Nha Trang Dolphins showed high determination to win, while Danang Dragons displayed their careful preparation to keep their playoff hope alive. Leveraging their home-court advantage, Danang Dragons played on the front foot, took the lead and consistently maintained it. However, in the final 2 quarters, the visitors Nha Trang Dolphins, powered by their standout foreign duo Mykal Jenkins and Jaylyn Richardson, staged a dramatic comeback to secure a 96-70 win over the hosts.

In their final clash, also at Danang Dragons' home court on August 24, Nha Trang Dolphins, buoyed by their previous win and a well-organized squad of competent players, maintained control of the match. Even though Danang Dragons fought hard, their key players just ran out of gas, they started to lose momentum. In the end, Nha Trang Dolphins won 94-76. In both of Nha Trang Dolphins's victories over Danang Dragons, import Jaylyn Richardson was the main scorer, earning 2 Player of the Game titles. 

With these results, Nha Trang Dolphins solidify their second place in the standings with 12 wins, 5 losses, securing the final spot in the playoff round for the season's top 4. This marks the third consecutive time Nha Trang Dolphins have made it to the round for the top 4; their best result is the runner-up finish in the 2023 season.

The playoff round is scheduled for September 4-11. Given the current standings, it looks like Nha Trang Dolphins will play against defending runners-up Cantho Catfish. In this round, the teams will play 3 matches with the teams winning 2 matches moves on to the finals.

AN NHIEN
Translated by H.N