John Fields after victory over Saigon Heat: “The perfect run for the VBA Playoffs”

The VBA 2023 schedule has brought the defending champion Saigon Heat as guests on the field of the two representatives of the Capital in the sprint phase of the Regular Season.

After Hanoi Buffaloes narrowly won "Mr. 30" on Tuesday, today it is Thang Long Warriors' turn to have an impressive victory over Saigon Heat at Tay Ho home.

All five players in the starting line-up scored over 10 points, led by spiritual leader John Fields, who helped Thang Long Warriors overcome the defending champion with a score of 82-68.

Sharing his feelings after the important win, which is also the last home game at the Regular Season, John Fields could not hide his joy and happiness.

“I feel great today, the team played well and had a lot of energy. However, I want to give special thanks to the audience. If it weren't for the stadium filled with fans like this, we probably wouldn't have won," said Player of The Game.

"Playing the last home game of the Regular Season, the coach tasked the team with winning at all costs," Fields added.

"This result is both a gift to the fans and a very good momentum for the team in terms of psychology before the Playoffs when winning against a team like Saigon Heat."

This is the match where Thang Long Warriors played stork, struggled with Saigon Heat for three rounds, then broke away in the fourth round. They are the team that takes the initiative in terms of points when often leading.

However, each time the Warriors brought the gap to more than 10 points, Saigon Heat shortened the score with Kentrell Barkley's outstanding individual effort. Sometimes this player scores points by himself, sometimes he attracts people and creates assists for his teammates.

In the end, Thang Long Warriors with an even lineup and many shining individuals went straight to the final victory. John Fields and Sameen Swint, Justin Young, Nguyen Tuan Anh and Le Hieu Thanh all reached 10 points in this match.

Not only that, the Warriors also have 11 points from the reserve players. Meanwhile, all of Saigon Heat's points came from the main squad, including 40 points from Kentrell Barkley alone.

In the next match, Saigon Heat will return to CIS home ground to welcome Danang Dragons and Ho Chi Minh City Wings on August 30 and September 3, respectively.

With Thang Long Warriors, the red half of the Capital will march to Cantho Catfish's yard to end the Regular Season on the evening of September 1.