Israeli trio makes NBA history in Portland-Brooklyn game

Deni Avdija was also named to this year’s All-Star Game, marking the first time an Israeli has ever been selected.

By JNS

Portland and Brooklyn made NBA history on Monday night when three Israeli players—Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija and Nets rookies Ben Saraf and Danny Wolf—shared the court in the same game for the first time, the New York Post reported.

Nets coach Jordi Fernández called the occasion “special,” saying the matchup underscored the significance of countries outside the United States and Europe gaining representation in the league.

“I don’t know Deni, but I’m sure he’s excited to play. I know Ben and Danny are,” Fernández said.

“Obviously, Deni had a career year and how much better he has gotten. And then our two young guys, they’re getting better. And I want to see this matchup over the years and how interesting it is, how cool it is to see them play against each other.”

Portland defeated Brooklyn, 114–95. Avdija finished with 18 points, five assists, and six rebounds in 34 minutes.

Saraf recorded 15 points and four assists in 24 minutes, while Wolf added eight points, five rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes for Brooklyn.

Deni Avdija was also named to this year’s All-Star Game, marking the first time an Israeli has ever been selected.

He also broke the all-time NBA scoring record for an Israeli this season after surpassing Omri Casspi, who scored 4,600 points over a career spanning nearly 600 games.