The Nha Trang Dolphins pulled off a heart-stopping 109–108 victory over the Hanoi Buffalo in a Vietnam VBA thriller on July 19, 2026. The one-point margin reflected a frenetic contest that saw both teams trade leads deep into the final minute, with the Dolphins finally securing the win on a buzzer-beating shot that sent the home crowd into a frenzy.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, it was clear that this would be a high‑octane affair. The Dolphins, playing in front of their passionate fans at the Nha Trang Sports Arena, came out aggressively, pushing the tempo and converting early three‑pointers. However, the Buffalo, known for their disciplined half‑court offence, answered every run with crisp ball movement and clutch perimeter shooting. By halftime, the score was deadlocked at 55–55, setting the stage for a dramatic second half.

Key Moments

• Third‑quarter surge: The Buffalo opened the third period on a 12–2 run, building their largest lead of the game at 67–57. But the Dolphins responded with a 9‑0 spurt, capped by a driving layup from their point guard, to trim the deficit to one.
• Furious finish: With under two minutes remaining, the Dolphins trailed 106–103. A steal and fast‑break dunk tied the game, and after a Buffalo free throw, the Dolphins had one final possession. The inbound play found their shooting guard, who rose over a defender to sink a contested jumper as the buzzer sounded.

Standout Performers

For the Dolphins, the hero was guard Tran Minh Hieu, who finished with 32 points, 7 assists, and 4 rebounds, including the game‑winning basket. Forward Nguyen Anh Tai added 24 points and 11 rebounds, providing a crucial inside presence. On the Buffalo side, import player James Williams poured in 35 points and dished out 8 assists, while center Pham Quoc Cuong contributed 18 points and 14 rebounds.

Season Impact

The victory improved the Dolphins’ record to 12–8, keeping them firmly in playoff contention. The Buffalo, meanwhile, dropped to 11–9 but remain a dangerous opponent as the regular season enters its final weeks. This game, with its one‑point margin and dramatic finish, will be remembered as one of the most exciting matchups in VBA history.