Brooklyn Nets rookie guard Ben Saraf is navigating the highs and lows typical for a 19-year-old point guard finding his footing in the NBA. With the Nets dealing with injuries, Saraf has been thrust into a more prominent role and seems to be hitting his stride.
After Sunday's 126-122 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Saraf reflected on his performance: "I think I did pretty good. I got to the rim and played off two feet like the coaches want.
It felt like I was able to finish." Saraf notched a career-high 22 points, along with three rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes, stepping in for fellow rookie Nolan Traore.
"They didn't have a crazy shot-blocker, so I was able to get to the basket," Saraf added. Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez praised Saraf's aggressiveness, calling it one of his best games at the rim. "I like how aggressive he was," Fernandez remarked.
Saraf is having his best month yet, finding a rhythm within the Nets' offense. Post-Kings game, he's averaging 6.3 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, shooting 38.5% from the field and 20.0% from beyond the arc across 34 games this season.
In March, those numbers have ticked up to 8.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 42.9% from the floor. With 71 games left in the 2025-26 season, Saraf is eager to close out his rookie year on a high note, continuing to elevate his game as he gains more experience.