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“We Were Like Dreamers” Deni Avdija, Ben Saraf, Danny Wolf Tip-Off in Historical Israeli NBA Game

By Moshe Halickman

Mar 17, 2026 | Holyland Hoops

“We were like dreamers.” Psalm 126

The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 114–95 on the road Monday night at the Barclays Center in a historic matchup that featured three Israelis in the NBA and not just any Israelis, All Star Deni Avdija along with rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf who gave us a night to remember.

Despite the result for the Nets, the one who will undoubtedly be remembered as the game’s biggest hero is Saraf.

The 19-year-old Brooklyn guard, whose team came into the game on a strong run, was questionable to play but ultimately was declared active. However, it took time for Saraf to get into the flow of things and first checked in midway through the second quarter and didn’t impress much initially.

Then came the end of the third quarter.

Saraf completed a three-point play with 0.7 seconds left in the period and from there he didn’t stop. Early in the fourth, with his team already down by 31 (91–60), he capped a 16–0 run to cut the deficit to 91–76.

Saraf kept going, stood out in his matchup against Avdija, broke his NBA career high with 13 points and finished with a dunk to reach 15. He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter alone.

Overall, Saraf finished with career highs of 15 points (5/9 from two, 0/1 from three, 5/6 from the line) and 4 steals thanks to outstanding individual defense, along with 4 assists, 4 turnovers and a +4 plus-minus in 23:38 minutes.

Avdija, on the other hand, led all scorers alongside Toumani Camara with 18 points (3/9 from two, 1/4 from three, 9/12 from the line), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 turnovers, a steal, a block and a +22 plus-minus in 34 minutes.

Wolf showed flashes with 8 points (1/5 from two, 2/4 from three), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers, 2 blocks and a -14 plus-minus in 24 minutes.


At the postgame press conference, Nets coach Jordi Fernández praised Saraf, “We believe Ben is a high-level defender and can be even better. With his size and the way he uses his body and pressures the ball, he just needs to be more active on the weak side. But you see the stat line: 15 points, 4 assists. The downside is 4 turnovers. We had 17 turnovers that led to 20 points and that needs to be improved.”

Saraf also shared his thoughts, “The main thing for us was protecting the paint, we didn’t do a good job. Also free throws, I think they had 22 for the whole game. Offensively, we didn’t shoot enough threes. They did a good job forcing us into mid-range shots, those were the key things. I feel like I’m doing a pretty good job in one-on-one defense. My next step is off-ball defense, always knowing where other players are and making the right rotations.”

On his first NBA matchup with Avdija, “It was great. I’d been waiting for this game for a long time. He’s a great guy and a great friend, especially with Danny Wolf too. Three Israelis on the court at the same time, that was very special.”


About the jersey he got from Avdija, “I’ll probably hang it at home, I don’t know.”

On their relationship: “I think it started last year when we had a preseason game against them with Ulm, the team I played for in Germany. We stayed in touch. The main thing he told me is to take care of your body, that’s huge. Recovery and everything. He’s experienced it, he had an 82-game season. I have a lot to learn from him, and he really helps me with everything.”

How he’s changed since the draft, “I think I’ve gotten used to it, adjusting to living in New York and playing on the court. I feel more comfortable and more confident now, which is good.”

About Avdija’s impact in Israel after making the All-Star team, “It’s huge. Everyone in Israel followed and supported him all year. People know how big it was to have an Israeli in the All-Star Game for the first time. We were all very happy for him.”

On the historic game during this period in Israel, “A very emotional night. It’s too bad that we lost, but it’s bigger than that. The number of Jewish and Israeli fans here, when Deni was introduced, the whole crowd stood up. Every basket, it was emotional for me, for Danny Wolf, for everyone. It was a big event.”

About feeling safe in New York, “Very. I haven’t encountered antisemitism at all. I feel very safe. The Jewish community really embraces me, the Shabbat invitations are endless. I really appreciate the warmth and love. I haven’t experienced anything negative, people really love us here.”

On turnovers, “In recent months, it’s been a lot of one-foot passes when I drive without control, or getting called for charges, or losing the ball because I’m committed to the move. Sometimes I try risky passes, I’m trying to cut those down.”

Wanting to score against Avdija, “I think we both wanted to. When he missed that three, he was disappointed, he wanted it. On the other side, I really wanted to score too. It’s fun. I wish him all the best and hope for many more matchups like this.”

Avdija also spoke after the game, “The most important thing is getting back to ourselves — playing together, enjoying the game, and winning. We don’t dwell on losses. We just keep playing hard and try to build a winning streak.”

What was different, “Focus. Attention to detail. We were locked in. We came to play. We were a bit angry after yesterday’s loss.”

On the crowd, “Oh my God, yes. I was really surprised to see Barclays Center full. It means a lot to me. I have no words for the support, I’m very grateful.”


About Saraf, “It was good, we didn’t manage to score on each other (laughs). I just enjoyed being out there. Back-to-back games, coming off injury, I played a lot of minutes. I was a bit rusty early, but the crowd got me going. We got the job done.”

On the jersey he got from Saraf, “It’s going into my collection. I’ve got a big collection. We grew up 20 minutes apart — it’s amazing to see him and Danny Wolf succeeding. I wish them success this season and beyond.”

About their relationship, “We don’t talk daily, but he’s probably going through rookie things like I did, fatigue, taking care of the body. It looks like he’s doing a great job. He’s tough, he’s got a strong mentality, and he can play. I’m always here for him.”

On the special night, “I haven’t fully processed it yet. It’s tough that many people from Israel couldn’t come because of the war. I hope everyone is okay. Representing on the biggest stage — it’s emotional for me and for many others. One of the most fun nights I’ve had.”


About the crowd compared to Tel Aviv, “Definitely. It reminded me of Menora (arena), of those old days. It gave me energy when I was lacking it.”

On pressure, “No pressure. People come whether I score 50 or 10. It’s an honor and a joy.”

About viewership in Israel, “100%. I know a lot of people watched — that’s amazing.”

Message to international players, “In this era, there are many opportunities to reach the NBA. It’s a global game now. Don’t stop chasing your dreams. I grew up in a small place where basketball wasn’t big, I just kept working. In a blink, you’re on the biggest stage in the world. It’s incredible.”

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