Nha Trang Dolphins aim to settle score with Saigon Heat in VBA 2026 play-off round

Nha Trang Dolphins travel to Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, September 6, to face Saigon Heat in one of the first games of the play-off round of Vietnam professional basketball league (VBA) 2026. The match offers Nha Trang Dolphins an opportunity to avenge past defeats against opponents that Nha Trang Dolphins have always struggled against.

In Vietnamese professional basketball, Saigon Heat remain the leading team in competences and achievements. Finishing second on the standings this season, Saigon Heat enter the play-offs with the prestige of holding the most championship titles in VBA history (5 times). The team's core strength stems not from individual performances but from a cohesive, disciplined operational system and unified collective under Coach Vu The Cang.

Match between Nha Trang Dolphins and Saigon Heat (preliminary round) at MLC sports arena, Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Heat's offensive strength relies on a good balance between foreign imports and local talents. Brandis Raley-Ross, Nguyen Huynh Phu Vinh, and Nyang Wek are key attackers, helping Saigon Heat secure crucial points during decisive moments of intense games. Superior roster depth provides Coach Vu The Cang with the flexibility to make flexible adjustments without affecting game control, an advantage few VBA teams possess. In direct matchups against Nha Trang Dolphins this season, Saigon Heat consistently demonstrated the ability to control the game, particularly in the 3rd and 4th quarters, when pressure peaked and their championship mettle proved decisive.

On the other hand, Nha Trang Dolphins have proven to be formidable opponents that cannot be easily rattled. In their seven-year journey in the VBA, Nha Trang Dolphins have made the top 4 teams 5 times to qualify for the play-offs and secured two runner-up finishes. In the 2026 season, buoyed by standout play of Cleveland Jackson, Nha Trang Dolphins are aiming for a historic first championship. Nha Trang Dolphins enter the play-offs as challengers that Saigon Heat must overcome if they wish to reclaim the title from Hanoi Buffaloes.

There is an undeniable fact that previously, in almost every direct clash between the two teams, Saigon Heat emerged victorious. This reflects a gap in class and player quality that Nha Trang Dolphins have yet to bridge. The clearest weakness of Nha Trang Dolphins in their losses against Saigon Heat lay in the 3rd and 4th quarters, when the opponent began executing floor spacing, perimeter shooting, and dismantling their defense. This scenario repeated multiple times, and Nha Trang Dolphins have yet to find a truly effective solution.

Historically, Saigon Heat have dominated most of the clashes against Nha Trang Dolphins. This gap in squad competences and level is something Nha Trang Dolphins have yet to bridge. Nha Trang Dolphins' most visible vulnerability during losses to Saigon Heat has appeared in the 3rd and 4th quarters as Saigon Heat effectively utilized floor spacing and perimeter shooting to dismantle their defense. Nha Trang Dolphins are still searching for an effective solution.

However, Nha Trang Dolphins’ primary asset is their resilience. In the early stage of the season, Nha Trang Dolphins pulled off a surprise 85-82 victory over Saigon Heat, roving their capability to compete against the league leaders.

P.H
Translated by H.N