Saigon Heat triumph over late-game Dragons comeback, strengthening playoff aspirations
The Saigon Heat secured a crucial 94-87 victory over the Danang Dragons on August 10, 2025, in a tense VBA regular-season matchup that carried significant playoff implications. The win allowed the Heat to solidify their spot in the playoffs, pushing the Dragons further from a direct playoff qualification.
The game started cautiously, but the Heat quickly established a lead thanks to the sharp defensive-to-offensive transitions and the accurate long-range shooting of Alfred Hollins, who hit three three-pointers. Returning players Dư Minh An and Temuulen Chinges started strongly for the Heat, while bench contributions from Võ Kim Bản and Tim Waale helped extend the lead.
The Dragons fought bravely, with both foreign imports playing the entire game and the bench providing valuable contributions, led by Huỳnh Andre Minh Triết with 14 points. Timothy Simmons was a notable performer for the Dragons, battling hard to keep his team close despite the loss.
The Heat's defence and control of the game were decisive, even though they faltered briefly in the last quarter when the Dragons made a comeback, scoring four three-pointers and cutting the deficit to 83-78. However, the Heat responded by tightening their defence and exploiting mismatches inside, with Chinges delivering key baskets to seal the victory.
The game took place at the Military Zone 5 Gymnasium, and the Heat's resilience and fighting spirit were crucial in their win. Hollins attributed the victory to their determination, stating that they never gave up and kept pushing until the end. The Heat's victory lifted them to fourth place in the standings, with a record of 10-7, while the Dragons slipped to fifth place with a record of 8-8.
This close contest showcased Saigon Heat's ability to perform under pressure and key player contributions that could be critical as they approach the playoffs. The Dragons showed resilience but struggled with free-throws and could face a challenging path forward without a late turnaround.
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