After a narrow 85-88 defeat away to Saigon Heat in the opening game of the playoff round (the semifinals of the 2026 Vietnam Basketball Association on September 6), Nha Trang Dolphins return to the Provincial Sports Arena (33 Phan Chu Trinh Street, Nha Trang Ward) on September 10 with the must-win task of keeping their dream of reaching the finals alive. This is not only an important game, but also a moment for Nha Trang Dolphins to prove that 7 years of participation in the professional league have given them enough resilience to overcome their greatest challenge.
In the first playoff game at MLC Arena (Ho Chi Minh City) on September 6, Nha Trang Dolphins showed that they were in no way inferior to Saigon Heat in terms of fighting spirit. After trailing their opponents in succession during the first 2 quarters, the Nha Trang Dolphins players mounted a strong comeback. Cleveland Jackson and Azzaya Batkhuyag delivered a series of high-class offensive plays and drives, helping Nha Trang Dolphins unexpectedly turn the game around to lead 53-52 in the 3rd quarter. It was only in the final quarter (the 4th quarter), in the face of an outstanding performance by Saigon Heat's foreign player Brandis Raley-Ross, that Nha Trang Dolphins had to accept a narrow 85-88 defeat.
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| Nha Trang Dolphins will face Saigon Heat again at home on September 10. |
This result accurately reflects what the players of the 2 teams ranked among the top 4 this season brought to audiences in Ho Chi Minh City. Coach Todd Purves's players delivered an excellent performance and showed no fear against a stronger opponent such as Saigon Heat, even on the latter's home court. In fact, in the final seconds of the game, Azzaya Batkhuyag had a chance to tie the score with a spectacular long-range shot. Although the attempt was unsuccessful, it demonstrated Nha Trang Dolphins' aspirations and never-say-die spirit in their pursuit of a place in the tournament final.
In the upcoming rematch between the 2 teams, what fans and the coaching staff believe will help the home side overcome its opponent is Nha Trang Dolphins' strength when playing at the Provincial Sports Arena. Throughout the 2026 season, this has been the venue where Nha Trang Dolphins have played with the greatest intensity. Its familiar surroundings, the passionate cheers of the fans and the special energy that only a home court can provide have transformed Nha Trang Dolphins into a completely different team compared with when they play away. The clearest evidence was the 85-82 victory over Saigon Heat early in the season, a game in which Nha Trang Dolphins' players controlled the action from start to finish and left a special mark on the scoreboard. That victory was not luck, but the result of mental strength and the home-court motivation provided by the fans—a place where Nha Trang Dolphins can completely overcome any strong opponent in the league.
In the rematch with Saigon Heat at the Provincial Sports Arena, Nha Trang Dolphins face difficulties and challenges that will require a high level of spirit and determination from the team as a whole. Nevertheless, Khanh Hoa basketball fans can look forward to the team's foreign stars, including Cleveland Jackson, Azzaya Batkhuyag and Nasanbat Munkhchudur..., shooters who are in top form after impressive performances during the regular season. In addition, Nha Trang Dolphins have a quality group of domestic players who have just returned from representing the national basketball team, including Võ Huy Hoàn, Huỳnh Vĩnh Quang, Nguyễn Hoàng Phúc and Lê Khắc Đăng Khoa. This is the crucial moment for Nha Trang Dolphins to show their ability to overcome adversity, as well as their never-say-die spirit against an opponent superior in every respect such as Saigon Heat.
After 7 years in the Vietnam Basketball Association, including 2 runner-up finishes, Nha Trang Dolphins' players and Coach Todd Purves understand that the battle on September 10 is not merely an ordinary playoff game, but a moment for them to affirm their value and give their all for the fans. Saigon Heat have a rich championship history, Jamal Mayali, Brandis Raley-Ross and a significantly deeper roster. However, Nha Trang Dolphins have the Provincial Sports Arena, their fans and the determined fire of those who know that this is an opportunity they cannot afford to miss. The rematch between the 2 teams therefore promises to be dramatic and full of surprises.
PHÚC HIẾU
