In an electrifying Game 4 showdown, the Saigon Heat made history by securing their fourth consecutive VBA championship title. The stakes were high as the defending champions faced off against the resilient Nha Trang Dolphins. The game was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with intense moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Dolphins, led by the formidable Madarious Gibbs, started strong, taking an early lead in the first quarter with a score of 24-21. However, the Heat’s local talents, Dư Minh An and Nguyễn Huỳnh Phú Vinh, showcased their skills in the second quarter, enabling the home team to regain control with a score of 32-30.
The Dolphins fought back valiantly, capitalizing on the Heat’s defensive gaps and establishing a 41-36 lead before halftime. The momentum shifted once again in the third quarter when Kentrell Barkley of the Heat displayed exceptional performance, guiding his team to a 57-50 advantage.
The fourth quarter witnessed a dramatic turn of events as the Dolphins’ duo, Dominique Tham and Robert Sampson, orchestrated a remarkable scoring spree, putting their team ahead at 61-59. In the closing moments, the Dolphins had a golden opportunity to clinch victory when Madarious Gibbs stepped up to the free-throw line. However, his missed shots led both teams into a nail-biting overtime, tied at 67-67.
Overtime intensified the excitement, and it was Dư Minh An who emerged as the hero for the Saigon Heat. With a perfectly executed three-point shot, he propelled his team forward. The Heat seized this advantage and ultimately triumphed with a final score of 81-76.
This victory held special significance as it marked the first time the Saigon Heat clinched the VBA championship on their home turf, eliciting a wave of emotion among players and fans alike. Kentrell Barkley, fondly known as “Mr. double-double,” was named the finals MVP, a testament to his outstanding contributions throughout the season. The Saigon Heat’s remarkable journey to their fourth consecutive championship title will be remembered as a testament to their skill, determination, and unwavering spirit.