A Historic Night at Barclays Center: Three Israelis Clash in Landmark NBA Game
The NBA witnessed a milestone for international basketball on Monday, March 16, 2026, as the Brooklyn Nets hosted the Portland Trail Blazers in a game featuring three Israeli citizens on the court simultaneously. The atmosphere at the Barclays Center mirrored a celebration, with fans waving Hebrew posters and wearing kippahs to support a trio of players who have brought unprecedented Israeli representation to the league.
While the Portland Trail Blazers secured a 114-95 victory, the final score was secondary to the historical significance of the matchup. For the first time in NBA history, three Israelis competed in a single game, signaling a new era of global talent integration in professional basketball.
The Established Star: Deni Avdija
Heading into the matchup, Deni Avdija stood as the benchmark for Israeli success in the NBA. Now in his second season with Portland after being traded from the Washington Wizards, Avdija has evolved into one of the league’s premier forwards. His breakout year was punctuated by his first All-Star selection in February 2026.
Avdija entered the game as a high-usage player, averaging 24.1 points, 6.9 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game. Although he struggled to locate his rhythm during this specific contest, his presence as the first Israeli All-Star provided a roadmap for the younger players entering the league.
The Rising Rookies: Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf
The Brooklyn Nets have aggressively invested in Israeli talent, selecting Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf with back-to-back picks (Nos. 26 and 27) in the 2025 NBA Draft. This strategic move made the Nets the first team in league history to select five players in a single first round.
- Ben Saraf: Raised in Israel, Saraf has been a spark plug for the Nets. In the March 16 game, he was a standout performer, recording 15 points, four assists, and four steals in 24 minutes of play. Throughout the season, Saraf has averaged 5.5 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 3.0 assists across 31 games.
- Danny Wolf: A unique talent who grew up in Illinois and secured Israeli citizenship to represent Team Israel internationally. Standing nearly 7 feet tall, Wolf has intrigued scouts with point guard-like ball-handling skills. He has averaged 9.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.2 assists over 53 games.
Coaching Perspective and Cultural Impact
Nets head coach Jordi Fernández emphasized the global importance of the event, noting that seeing three players from a country outside the U.S. And Europe represented in one game is a “special day that everybody has to enjoy.”
The camaraderie between the players was evident beyond the box score. Before the tip-off, Avdija and Saraf were seen hugging on the court, and the two exchanged jerseys after the game, symbolizing a bond of friendship and mutual respect that transcends team rivalries.
Key Takeaways: Israeli Representation in the NBA
- Historic First: The first NBA game to feature three Israeli citizens simultaneously occurred on March 16, 2026.
- All-Star Status: Deni Avdija became the first Israeli player to earn an NBA All-Star nod (February 2026).
- Draft Milestone: The Brooklyn Nets made history in the 2025 Draft by taking five first-round players, including Saraf and Wolf.
- Diverse Paths: The trio represents different paths to the league, from Saraf’s Israeli upbringing to Wolf’s dual citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the three Israeli players in the game?
The players were Deni Avdija (Portland Trail Blazers), Ben Saraf (Brooklyn Nets), and Danny Wolf (Brooklyn Nets).
When did this historic game accept place?
The game took place on Monday, March 16, 2026, at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
What is Deni Avdija’s significance to the league?
Avdija is the first Israeli player to be named an NBA All-Star, achieving this milestone in February 2026.
How did Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf join the Nets?
Both players were selected by the Brooklyn Nets in the 2025 NBA Draft with the 26th and 27th overall picks, respectively.