Jordi Fernandez vouches for ‘great NBA player’ after G League rookie hits 40 points

ByNBAUSA


Brooklyn Nets rookie Ben Saraf is trying to find his groove in the G League. After struggling through two NBA games earlier this season, Saraf is seeing extended minutes at point guard with the Long Island Nets. His latest performance could earn him another opportunity with Brooklyn.

Saraf scored 40 points on 14-of-26 shooting from the field and 6-of-10 from three as he led the Long Island Nets to a 116-97 victory over the Oklahoma City Blue on Monday in the G League. Jordi Fernandez gave high praise for the Israeli general on the court after his breakout game.

“He was composed the whole game. Obviously, he scored 40 points, but he looked like an NBA player,” Fernandez said. “We watched the game and how confident he was, how he shot the ball, how he shot the three, and his real finishes around the rim. If he had finished a few more at the rim, he could have scored 50. And those are the challenges. He’s really hard on himself. And that’s why Ben is so great, and he’s going to be a great player in the NBA. But he’s going to be a great player in the NBA. That’s got to be the main purpose, whether you’re playing here with the Nets or on Long Island, is to you want to help the team compete and then win.

With Egor Demin recovering from a foot injury, Saraf started Brooklyn’s first five games at rush hour. However, after early struggles, the Nets sent him to the G League before recalling him for five more games earlier this month.

Nets rookie Ben Saraf finds rhythm in G League with 40-point performance

October 26, 2025; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Saraf (77) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper (2) in the first half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Daniel Dunn – Imagn Images

Saraf showed flashes of creating a high-level advantage during his NBA minutes. However, he struggled as an outside shooter and finisher. The 19-year-old averaged 5.8 points, 1.6 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.2 turnovers on .362/.250/.769 shooting in 10 games where he played more than 10 minutes.

His performance in the G League prior to Monday was also mixed. He averaged 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 3.6 turnovers on .397/.385/.750 shooting in 22.3 minutes per game in seven appearances.

However, on Monday, he looked like a player the Nets were more than happy to land with the 26th pick.

“The shots were falling. I was able to get to the rim and make good decisions. I was really in the flow,” Saraf said. “The mindset (in the G League) is the same mindset. Just to go out there and play hard. It’s the same principles as here, just more repetitions. So I try to take advantage of that.”

While Saraf is the most advanced self-creator of Nets startershis three-point shooting was a cause for concern. After shooting 27.8 percent from three of his four international seasons, Saraf shot 27.2 percent during his NBA appearances.

However, he is shooting 44.4 percent while attempting 6.7 3-pointers per 36 minutes in the G League. His six 3-pointers on Monday were the most in a professional game.

“I started working with Dr. Love, Dave Love. He’s been really helpful. We’ve changed a few things with my mechanics (since the summer). I’m feeling a lot better with my swing,” Saraf said.

After a fast start to his rookie campaign, Saraf’s 40 points offer a confidence boost as he battles for a spot in Brooklyn’s rotation.

“I think it helps. Of course, seeing the ball go through the net and really being able to get a lot of reps and be successful with them. It really helps,” he said.





2025-12-24 15:51:00

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