標籤: Israeli

The Brooklyn Nets-Portland Trail Blazers matchup at Barclays Center on Monday was a forgettable late-season game for many. However, for the Israeli basketball community, it was a night they will never forget. Trail Blazers All-Star Danny Avdija faced off against Nets rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf, marking the first time that three Israelis shared the court during an NBA game.

Avadiya got a strong reaction The 17,030 fans in attendance said they “felt like they were back in Tel Aviv” after the 114–95 Portland victory. The 25-year-old player said that there was a lot of tuning at home.

Avdija said, “I know there were a lot of people at home watching the game tonight. It’s amazing.” “It’s a big deal to me especially [since Ben and I] Grew up next to each other. Like 20 minutes away from each other. It’s amazing to watch him score and thrive in the league. Danny too… I was definitely surprised to see Barclays Center packed. It means a lot to me. I don’t have words to explain how much support he gave me and my teammates. I’m very happy to have this crowd behind me. I’m glad they saw us play tonight.”

Denny Avdija on the support he got from the Brooklyn crowd last night:

“I was definitely surprised to see a packed Barclays Center. It means a lot to me. I don’t have words to explain how much they supported me. I’m so happy to have this crowd behind me.” pic.twitter.com/tPyLgMwM71

– Eric Slater (@erikslater_) 17 March 2026

Denny! Denny! Denny! 🥹🗣️ pic.twitter.com/nOykrVQv2V

-Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) 16 March 2026

Avdija has had a breakout season, leading the Trail Blazers to the Western Conference play-ins. The All-Star forward has averaged 24.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists in 53 appearances.

Deni Avdija shares court with Nets rookies Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf in Brooklyn

Meanwhile, Saraf and Wolf are attempting to carve out roles with the rebuilding Nets after being selected No. 26 and No. 27 in June’s draft. Saraf said his relationship with Avdija began last year when his Ratiopharm Ulm team faced the Trail Blazers during the NBA preseason.

“Since then, we have been in touch all the time… it was great [facing Deni tonight]. “I was waiting for this game for a long time,” Saraf told reporters. “He is a great person, a very good friend of mine. especially with danny wolf [playing]Very. Three Israelis on the court at the same time. This was something very special… [Deni’s] had a huge impact [on basketball in Israel]. Everyone in Israel followed him throughout the year. Everyone was supporting. Israelis know how big a deal it was to have the first Israeli All-Star. it was very big. So, we are all very happy for him.”

Saraf struggled in his rookie season bouncing between the NBA and G League. However, the 6-foot-6 guard has played his best basketball recently, averaging 11.8 points and 4.8 assists on 53.1 percent shooting in his last four appearances. He scored a season-high 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting while dishing out four assists on Monday.

“[Ben’s] “Maybe this newbie is going through things like I did,” Avdija said. It’s probably fatigue, and it’s probably not knowing how to take care of the body, but it looks like he’s doing a good job. It seems like he is very tough and hard nosed. He knows how to play basketball. I’m always here for him, but I think he’s doing really good.

Wolf, who grew up in Illinois, became a naturalized Israeli citizen and played for the national team at the 2023 FIBA ​​U20 European Championship. After a breakout season at Michigan, he showed encouraging flashes as a rookie with Brooklyn.

Wolf averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 54 appearances. The 21-year-old said he could “100 percent” imagine himself playing alongside Avdija and Saraf on the Israeli national team “if the opportunity arises.”

Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez, who rose through the NBA ranks after coming to the United States from Spain, talked about the importance of Monday’s game.

“Yeah, it’s special,” Fernandez said. “When the U.S. and other countries outside of Europe can be represented here with three players, it means the world, and it’s a special day that everyone has to enjoy. And I think they already are… I don’t know Danny, but I’m sure he’s excited to play. I know Ben and Danny are. And it’s cool. This is one of the two times we’ll see it, and hopefully for many years to see how these guys move forward.” “Obviously Denny’s having a career year and getting better and better over the years. And it’s so interesting to see them play against each other.”