Nets’ Saraf Posts Efficient Double-Double in G League Win

Ben Saraf impressed in the Long Island Nets' bounce-back win over the Greensboro Swarm with a 21-point, 12-assist double-double on Saturday.

Saraf thrived driving downhill, consistently getting two feet in the paint off the pick-and-roll. He rose over defenders and nailed mid-range jumpers.

His teammates caught bullet passes cutting to the basket, or Saraf threw a pinpoint outlet pass. The playmaking stabilized Long Island, as it stayed in striking distance before pulling away in the fourth.

Coach Jordi Fernández tabbed Nolan Traoré and Mikel Brown Jr. as "true point guards." Saraf's outing fits the archetype Fernández prefers and gives Brooklyn another bench table setter.

The 6-foot-6 guard nailed a near-logo 3-pointer to give the Nets an 84-82 lead with under six minutes left in the fourth quarter. He hit another several possessions later to tie the game with 1:30 remaining.

Saraf came in clutch in the final 30 seconds. Brooklyn's 2025 first-round pick picked Michael Ajayi's pockets and dished his final assist to Dain Dainja for a two-point lead.

His performance in Long Island's back-to-back is impressive. Traoré and Brown are ahead, leaving him at the back end of the rotation with few minutes available.

He gets the on-ball reps to develop his game and run the offense. That confidence is important, as he feels the game has slowed down in his second season.

Saraf struggled during his rookie campaign, averaging 7.5 points, 3.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds across 44 games. He shot an abysmal 39.6% from the field and 21.1% from three-point range.

He scored a career-high 22 points against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 19, and ended the season with 15 or more points in four straight games. The 20-year-old carried that momentum into the offseason, focusing on mastering what he learned in his rookie season.

One of his goals for this season is to play a meaningful role in Brooklyn. A logjam at guard has delayed that achievement, but if he builds off his double-double performance, he could fight his way into the rotation.

Long Island has had consecutive great showings from Brooklyn's young players. Joshua Jefferson scored 15 points on 3-for-7 from three, six rebounds and three assists.

Shooting 42.8% from downtown is encouraging for the 6-foot-8 forward and Brooklyn. He shot 34.5% from three in his senior season for the Iowa State Cyclones, just below league average.

The Nets will play the College Park Skyhawks next Tuesday.