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Israeli Players Shine in Historic NBA Matchup

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On March 17, 2026, three Israeli players—Deni Avdija, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf—competed for the first time.
Deni Avdija led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 114-95 victory, scoring 18 points.
Nets coach Jordi Fernández said the matchup highlights the growth of international players in the league and expressed enthusiasm for future matchups.
The game drew a vibrant crowd of Israeli fans celebrating the milestone in basketball history.

History

Historical Context

The NBA's international expansion began in the late 1980s with players like Dražen Petrovic from Croatia, who debuted in 1992. This shift significantly boosted the league's global appeal, culminating in a 30% rise in international viewership by the late 1990s. The recent inclusion of Israeli players Deni Avdija, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf continues this trend, highlighting the NBA's commitment to diversity.

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Story summary

On March 17, 2026, three Israeli players—Deni Avdija, Ben Saraf, and Danny Wolf—competed for the first time.
Deni Avdija led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 114-95 victory, scoring 18 points.
Nets coach Jordi Fernández said the matchup highlights the growth of international players in the league and expressed enthusiasm for future matchups.
The game drew a vibrant crowd of Israeli fans celebrating the milestone in basketball history.

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