The VBA 2023 final series showcases two teams on opposing ends of the spectrum, the Saigon Heat and Nha Trang Dolphins.

By securing a 82-67 win on September 12 in their semifinal series against the Hanoi Buffaloes, the Nha Trang Dolphins finalized an overall 2-0 victory to clinch their first-ever appearance in the VBA finals, marking a historic achievement for the coastal city’s basketball team.

Coach Predrag Lukic and his team will face the defending champions, Saigon Heat, in the final, setting the stage for a highly captivating matchup. 

The Saigon Heat team. Photo: VBA

The Nha Trang Dolphins, established in 2020, are the VBA’s newest team, while Saigon Heat, founded in 2011, has a history spanning over a decade.

Due to their notable disparity in experience, the two teams exhibit entirely contrasting track records. 

The Nha Trang Dolphins have shown remarkable progress in recent seasons, making their inaugural appearance in the semifinals last year and further solidifying their presence this season.

On the other hand, the Saigon Heat predate the VBA’s inaugural season in 2016. 

They have secured championship titles in the past three seasons.

Robert Sampson (R) of the Nha Trang Dolphins and Kentrell Barkley of the Saigon Heat during the 2023 VBA season. Photo: VBA

However, the upcoming face-off between these two teams promises to be evenly matched, as Madarious Gibbs, the top star of the Nha Trang Dolphins, was instrumental in Saigon Heat’s championship defense last year.

Furthermore, fans of both Saigon Heat and Nha Trang Dolphins are eager to witness thrilling contests between two foreign stars, Kentrell Barkley of the Saigon Heat and Robert Sampson of the Nha Trang Dolphins.

Both players are towering figures, standing at around two meters in height, and they have earned the admiration of fans with their experienced and multifaceted playing techniques.

Photo: VBA

Moreover, another highly-anticipated aspect of this matchup is the competition between local standout players, specifically in the guard-forward pairings of Vo Kim Ban and Nguyen Huynh Phu Vinh of the Heat and Huynh Vinh Quang and Son Minh Tam of the Dolphins.

All these four players originate from the Mekong Delta basketball and have previously been teammates in other domestic competitions. 

Their most recent collaboration led the Soc Trang team to secure the gold medal at the 2022 National Sports Festival.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!