Ben Saraf, Deni Avdija and Danny Wolf share the court during the Portland Trail Blazers-Brooklyn Nets matchup on March 16, 2026. It was the first NBA game to feature three players with Israeli citizenship. (Photo credit: Grace Yagel)

The Barclays Center had the energy of a bar mitzvah party on March 16, as kippah-clad basketball fans and kids waving posters with Hebrew words of encouragement came to cheer on an NBA first: a game featuring three Jewish players — all Israeli citizens, JTA reported.

The Brooklyn Nets were hosting the Portland Trail Blazers — whose forward Deni Avdija recently became the first Israeli All-Star in the league.

He joined Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf, two Jewish players who have galvanized the Nets’ Jewish fanbase since joining the team this year. Saraf was raised in Israel and got his start in basketball there, while Wolf grew up in Illinois and secured Israeli citizenship to play for Team Israel in international competitions.

Avdija, who normally averages about 25 points per game, struggled to find a rhythm on March 16, as did Wolf, who has intrigued scouts with the ball handling skills of a point guard despite his nearly 7-foot height. But Saraf impressed, scoring 15 points and notching four assists and four steals in 24 minutes of play.

Saraf’s efforts were not enough to buoy his team, though, and the Nets lost to the Trail Blazers, 114-95.

Avdija said in a postgame press conference that he had been surprised to see the arena sold out and that the energy reminded him of the Menora arena when he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv.

“I haven’t fully processed it yet,” he said about the significance of having three Israelis on the court. “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.”

Saraf, too, said the game was a highlight for him.

“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.”

He added, “Three Israelis on the court at the same time was something very special.”